.     , 


U  !  V 


>  "    ; "  '  "     '         1 


£V.   LUTHERAN 


ALBM  CONGREGATION 


v : .,/ 


MORE,  DE  KALB  CO.,  ILL. 

1870-1920 


\\^Yy\ 


THE   PRESKN  I    (  III  Rl  H 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


"A* 


.34. 


A  SHORT  HISTORY  OF  THE 

SWEDISH  EV.  LUTHERAN 
SALEM  CONGREGATION 

OF 

SYCAMORE,  DE  KALB  CO.,  ILL. 

1870—1920 

WRITTEN  BY  THE  PASTOR 

DR.  ALBERT  OKERSTROM 


-3«. 


•Si* 

w 
w 

•3t- 

"Si* 

•Ma 

TV 


~A* 
-M. 

"Si* 


f  PUBLISHED  BY 

THE  SWEDISH  EV.  LUTH.  SALEM  CHURCH 

SYCAMORE,  ILLINOIS 

■ic* 

•Si*  1C 


z 

Ed 

/ 


FOREWORD 


At  the  annual  business  meeting  of  the  Sw.  Ev.  Lath.  Salem  congrega- 
tion of  Sycamore,  III.,  held  January  I,  IQ20,  the  following  resolution 
was  unanimously  passed:  That  whereas  fifty  years  have  passed  since  the 
founding  of  this  church,  April  4,  1870,  and  as  it  is  proper  to  celebrate 
this  significant  fact,  be  it  therefore  resolved  that  this  celebration  shall  take 
place  and  on  some  suitable  date  between  May  20  and  30  of  this  year.  The 
pastor  was  authorized  to  appoint  a  committee  of  ten,  including  himself, 
who  should  have  full  authority  to  take  complete  charge  of  this  festivity, 
and  that  this  committee  should  also  publish  an  appropriate  Jubilee  Album 
in  commemoration  of  the  golden  jubilee  of  this  church.  The  committee 
thus  appointed  included  the  following :  Dr.  Albert  Okerstrom,  Mrs.  A. 
Okerstrom,  Mr.  G.  H.  Carlson,  Mr.  Gustaf  Nelson,  Mrs.  Albert  Carl- 
son, Miss  Bertha  Stromberg,  Mr.  Harold  Welander,  Mrs.  Fred  Carlson, 
Mr.  John  Ahlstrom,  Mr.  John  Quist. 

The  work  of  publishing  the  present  book  has  not  been  an  easy  mat- 
ter. The  records  from  the  earliest  years  are  very  incomplete.  Much 
interesting  material  from  these  early  years  are  no  doubt  lacking,  yet  we 
believe  that  the  essential  facts  are  given.  Errors  are  not  lacking,  but  we 
hope  the  readers  of  this  Album  will  kindly  pardon  these,  considering  the 
difficulties  encountered  in  such  an  undertaking.  We  hope,  nevertheless, 
that  much  enjoyment  and  much  good  may  come  from  this  book.  May 
it  be  a  stimulus  to  each  member  of  our  church  to  feel  the  spirit  of  thank- 
fulness to  God  for  His  lovingkindness  in  guiding  this  church  so  wonder- 
fully through  the  years  past,  and  to  realize  that  its  future  rests  entirely 
in  His  hands.     To  Him  be  all  glory  now  and  evermore! 

COMMITTEE. 


I  ill.   BEV.   DR.    W.IW.IIT  0KERS1  ROM, 
The  present   pastor. 


^f  .  ^H 


RETROSPECTION 


How  swiftly  years  in  grand  array 

Have  in  their  course  sped  on! 
Fleet  time  its  changes  has  performed, 

Our  friends  have  come  and  gone. 
The  old  and  weird  and  weary  days 

Seem  like  a  dream,  an  hazy  blast ; 
Yet  in  our  mind  we  see  them  still, 

The  landmarks  of  the  past. 

In  hard  and  often  dreary  work 

The  men  of  old  kept  pace. 
They  tried  their  duty  to  fulfil, 

Each  in  his  own  set  place. 
They  loved  their  country,  hearth  and  home. 

And  in  their  simple,  pious  way 
They  founded  churches  in  their  midst 

Where  they  could  worship,  pray. 

And  here  upon  this  hallowed  ground, 

In  dear  old  Sycamore, 
Our  fathers  have  in  Salem  met 

For  fifty  years  or  more ; 
They  met  devoutly  as  of  old, 

In  Jesus'  precious  name, 
To  render  service  to  the  Lord, 

To  Him  their  love  proclaim. 


8  shim  CONGRl  G  1 1 1<>\ 

I  lir  t;iith  Dt  Luther  the)  embraced, 

— The  Living  Gospel,  true — . 
Their  lot  w  as  w  rought  \\  ith  saa  w 

Thej  triaU  would  endure. 
Through  mam  years  oi  fleeting  time 

( Jod's  favor  did  abound, 
Which  left  a  legacj  to  us, 

An  heritage  profound. 

Our  thanks,  (  )  God,  to  Thee  we  ^i\c 

For  all   1  h\  goodness,  grace, 
For  bounteous  love  Thou  didst  bestow, 

For  care  in  bygone  days. 
Sweet  mem'ries  from  departed  years, 

From  decades  left  behind. 
From  happ)  hours  of  long  ago, 

Add  solace  to  the  mind. 

When  heaven  is  the  final  goal, 
With  comfort  in  the  I  <ord, 

When  riches  for  the  soul  we  seek 

In  (  iod's  dear  chosen  Word, 
Then  matters  not  what  li^ht  or  gloom 

The  future  has  in  store; 
(Jod's  fullest  blessings  shall   befall 

Our  church  in  Sycamore.  C\ki   Kraft. 


hi 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY  OF  THE  SW.  EV.  LUTHERAN 
SALEM  CHURCH,  SYCAMORE,  ILL. 

By  the  Rev.  Dr.  Albert  Okerstrom. 


FROM  "Swedes  in  Illinois"  we  learn  that  Sycamore,  De  Kalb 
county,  Illinois,  had  a  population  of  262  in  1848.  In  1835  a 
young  Norwegian,  a  certain  Dr.  Norbo,  came  to  Sycamore  and 
secured  a  small  tract  of  land  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  village.  This 
site  is  still  known  to  many  as  Norwegian  Grove.  He  did  not  remain 
here  for  any  length  of  time,  however.  A  great  number  of  young  men 
of  Swedish  birth  came  here  in  search  of  work  even  in  the  early  50's,  but 
few  remained  here  permanently.  The  first  Swedish  family  to  settle  here 
was  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Magni  Carlson,  whose  relatives  are  still  living  in 
our  community,  respected  and  honored  citizens.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Magni 
Carlson  arrived  in  Sycamore  in  1854.  Shortly  thereafter  Mr.  Andrew 
Johnson  arrived  and  became  a  permanent  settler.  In  1857  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Peter  Johnson  settled  here.  Their  daughter,  Mrs.  Hanna  Davis, 
is  the  first  child  born  in  Sycamore  of  Swedish  parentage.  The  following 
years  witnessed  a  continual  influx  of  Swedish  immigrants.  These  early 
immigrants  were  nearly  all  Lutherans.  This  common  faith  was  the 
potent  agent  which  in  1861  brought  a  number  of  these  Swedish  immi- 
grants together  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  Swedish  Lutheran  church. 
This  meeting  was  presided  over  by  the  Rev.  A.  Andreen,  long  ago  de- 
parted from  this  life.  The  minutes  of  this  early  meeting  are  still  in  the 
possession  of  this  church,  but  this  is  really  all  that  is  left  from  that  time, 
as  nothing  was  done  to  carry  out  its  decisions  until  another  meeting, 
called  for  the  same  purpose,  nine  years  later,  when  the  church  became 
a  reality  and  from  which  time  the  founding  of  the  church  is  dated. 


J  Hi II.  I:  I-     .11  IH     W 


1  I 


MKS.    M.   (    \i;i.s<>\. 


Mlf.    M.   i  \i:i>  ON 


\n:       WIU.'I  U     JOHNSON. 


MRS.    \\i»Ki:\\   .i<iii\v,i\ 


IO 


SALEM  CONGREGATION 


GENERAL  C.   J.   STOHLBRAND. 


Our  countrymen  were  not  in  want  of  spiritual  care,  however,  during 
this  period.  Through  the  good  will  and  interest  of  the  Sw.  Ev.  Luth. 
church  in  De  Kalb,  which  had  been  founded  some  time  before,  the  pastor 
of  that  church  visited  his  countrymen  in  Sycamore  also  and  held  services. 
These  services  were  held  either  in  private  homes  or  at  the  courthouse. 
General  C.  J.  Stohlbrand,  who  afterwards  became  a  famous  general  in  the 
Civil  War,  was  living  in  Sycamore  at  that  time  and  took  some  interest 
in  the  work  of  the  Swedish   Lutherans.      In   1870  the   Rev.   A.   Hult 


12 


SALEM  CONGRl  G  1TION 


her. imc  the  pastoi  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  of  De  Kalb,  III.  He 
also  held  regular  services  in  Sycamore  and  on  the  fourth  da)  of  April. 
1S70.  organized  the  Sw.  Ev.  Luth.  Samuel  church  of  Sycamore,  De  Kalb 
county,  Illinois,  and  so  became  its  first  pastor.  According  to  the  words 
of  the  Rev.  M.  Frvkman  in  his  histon  "t  tin-  church,  read  at  the  festivi- 


i  hi:  i:k\  .    \.   in  LT. 


tics  held  twenty-five  years  ago  in  commemoration  of  the  rounding  of  the 
church,  twenty-five  years  before,  there  were  about  fifty  persons  who 
joined  the  church  and  so  became  charter  members.      I  he  records  from 

those  early  days  do  not  -how  detinitch  who  these  fift)  were.  Some  of 
them  we  do  know.  However,  there  are  \er\  tew  of  them  —Till  with  u-. 
At  this  meeting,  the  constitution,  which  had  been  accepted  in  l86l,  was 
again  read  and  accepted  with  necess ar\  changes.  As  secretar)  pro  tern. 
Mr.  C.  I.  Anderson  of  De  Kalb,  111.,  was  elected,  and  later  during  the 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


13 


MR.   PETER   JOHNSON,   fl909. 


MRS.   PETES  JOHNSON,    fl897 


course  of  the  meeting  Mr.  S.  M.  Soderling  was  elected  regular  secretary. 
The  election  of  trustees  resulted  as  follows:  Andrew  Johnson  and  John 
Lindahl  to  serve  three  years,  O.  Benson  to  serve  two  years,  and  P.  M. 
Roos  to  serve  one  year.  The  election  of  deacons  resulted  as  follows: 
Peter  Johnson  and  E.  Anderson  to  serve  for  three  years,  C.  Carlson  and 
P.  Benson  for  two  years,  A.  Holmgren 
and  S.  M.  Soderling  to  serve  one  year. 
The  question  of  building  a  church  was 
taken  up  for  consideration.  The  dis- 
cussion resulted  in  a  unanimous  deci- 
sion to  build  a  church  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. This  was  a  decision  of  far- 
reaching  consequences.  This  decision 
proved  plainly  the  perfect  trust  in  the 
help  of  God,  as  our  people  in  this 
locality  at  that  ^ime  had  very  little 
means  at  their  disposal.  They  were  all 
poor  in  worldly  goods.  The  dimen- 
sion of  this  church  as  given  in  the  old 
minutes  were  to  be  as  follows:  50  feet 
long,  32  feet  wide,  and  height  in  proper 
proportion  to  length  and  width.    There  MRS.  haxxa  davis. 


TMK   FIRST  <  III  i;<  II.   EXTERIOR    AND    INTERIOR. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


15 


is  a  special  decision  recorded  that  there  must  be  a  steeple,  but  no  especial 
description  of  this  steeple  is  given.  The  foundation  was  to  be  built  of 
brick  and  stone.  Mr.  E.  Anderson  was  selected  to  supervise  the  building 
of  the  church,  but  because  of  his  resignation,  Mr.  A.  Johnson  was  elected 
as  superintendent  of  the  construction  of  the  church.     A  subscription  com- 


MR.  JOHN  LIXDAHL,   fl912. 


MRS.   JOHN   LINDAHL,    fl903 


mittee  was  elected,  consisting  of  the  following  men:  The  members  of  the 
Board  just  elected,  viz.,  A.  Johnson,  J.  Lindahl,  O.  Benson,  P.  M.  Roos, 
Peter  Johnson,  E.  Anderson,  C.  Carlson,  P.  Benson,  A.  Holmgren,  S. 
M.  Soderling.  At  following  meetings  this  committee  was  somewhat 
changed.  A  subscription  was  begun  at  this  meeting  and  amounted  to 
$220.  The  great  problem  seems  to  have  been  how  sufficient  money 
could  be  raised  for  this  undertaking.  About  this  time  the  celebrated 
Swedish  nightingale,  Christina  Nilsson,  was  in  this  country  on  a  concert 
tour,  and  at  this  particular  time  in  Chicago.  Several  of  Christina  Nils- 
son's  relatives  lived  here  in  Sycamore  at  this  time.  Through  their  in- 
fluence and  the  good  will  of  the  celebrated  singer,  she  was  induced 
to  come  to  Sycamore  on  Christmas  day,  1870,  to  give  two  concerts,  the 
earnings  of  which  were  to  go  to  the  treasury  of  the  Sw.  Ev.  Luth.  church. 
This  was  a  great  day  for  the  entire  population  of  Sycamore.  The  pro- 
ceeds which  came  to  the  church  amounted  to  $628.36.  To-day  that 
amount  seems  very  small,  but  at  that  time  is  was  quite  a  sum  of  money. 
The  dedication  of  the  church,  however,  did  not  take  place  until  April 


SALEM  CONGRl  GATlOh 


\l  IDAME   CHRISTINE    NILSSON, 
<  •.  -iiit.  --.   di    Miranda. 


6.  He  must  n<>t  allow 
beginners  to  practice  on 
the  organ,  nor  anyone  to 
pla\   except  ;ir  services. 

7.  To  keep  tin-  church 
comfortable  and  warm  in 

Cold   weather. 

S.  To  open  up  his  resi- 
de nee  for  meetings  of  the 
Board. 

<).  It  i>  t<>  be  the  duty 
of  the  Hoard  to  see  that 
these  rules  are  gn  en  prop- 
er heed. 

The  sexton  promised  t<> 
complj   with  regulations. 


28,  1874.  The  entire  COSt  of  the 
building     was     $3,300;     and     there 

remained    of     this    -uin    a    debt    oi 

%\ ,164.  At  tin's  service  Dr.  (  \. 
Peters  of  Rockford  preached  the 
sermon.  His  text  was  the  S4th 
Psalm. 

Some  verj  interesting  data  are 
recorded.  At  a  congregational 
meeting  held  Ma\  1.  1876,  the 
following  regulations  were  accepted 
governing  the  duties  of  the  sexton: 

1.  The  floors  of  the  church 
must  be  scrubbed  at  least  twice 
ever)  year. 

2.  The  lamps  should  he  cleaned 
once  a  month. 

}.  The  church  must  he  swept 
and    dusted   c\er\    Saturday. 

4.  To  keep  the  organ  closed 
when  the  church  is  being  swept. 

5.  To  take  care  of  church  fur- 
niture as  well   as  possible. 


wli 


01  l>    \l      I       1    III    R<    II     Wl>    W  II. KINS    II  Ml 

n    Ifadami    Christine  Nikaon  gav<    hei   concert*  while 

in  S\i'.m -.  <  In  istmaa   Day,    18 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


17 


From  the  very  beginning  of  the  church  a  great 
deal  of  attention  has  been  paid  to  the  proper  Chris- 
tian education  of  the  children  and  young  people. 
Hence  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  the  con- 
gregational or  parochial  school.  This  has  with  very 
few  exceptions  been  continued  every  year  up  to  the 
present  time.  The  church  owned  its  own  building 
in  North  Grove  until  a  very  few  years  ago,  when 
it  was  sold  for  public  school  purposes.  About  this  ™e Rev.  Dr.  G.  Peters.f 
time  this  Ladies'  Aid  Society  was  organized,  according  to  the  old  minutes. 

In  1873  the  Rev.  A.  Hult  resigned  his  charge  both  in  De  Kalb  and  in 
Sycamore  and  took  up  similar  work  in  another  locality.  Thus  the  con- 
gregation became  vacant.  During  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Hult,  the 
young  people  had  often  discussed  the  feasibility  of  organizing  a  young 
people's  society.  Such  an  organization  was  really  organized  about  this 
time,  but  the  exact  date  cannot  be  given.  The  vacancy  caused  by  the 
removal  of  Rev.  Hult  fortunately  did  not  last  very  long.  During  the 
short  vacancy  the  services  were  conducted  by  two  devoted  and  sanctified 
men,  members  of  the  church,  viz.,  Mr.  P.  M.  Landfors  and  Mr.  J.  A. 
Pihl.  Toward  the  close  of  1873  the  Rev.  N.  Nordgren  arrived  in  De 
Kalb  as  the  pastor  of  our  church  there.  At  the  same  time  he  became  the 
pastor  of  this  church.     Both  Hult  and  Nordgren  served  the  two  churches. 

At  a  congregational  meeting  here  in  1878  it  was  decided  that  the  Rev. 


MR.   J.    A.   PIHL,   11898. 


MRS.    KRISTIXA    IMIIL,    11900. 


iS 


SALEM  CONGREG  1TI0N 


Nordgrcn  should  continue  to  serve  this  church  as  hitherto,  namely,  ui\c 
half  nt  his  time  to  the  service  of  tin's  church,  but  that  he  should  take  up 
liis  residence  in  Sycamore  instead  of  in  De  Kalb  as  heretofore.     This 

petition  was  presented  to  the  pastor  as  well  as  to  the  church  in   I  )e  Kalb. 

This  request  was  refused  bj  the  church  in  De  Kalb.  V  a  result  of  this 
refusal  the  church  here  at  a  regularlj  railed  extra  meeting  of  all  voting 


THE   i;i  \     \     N0RDGREN 


THE  IM  \     s    q    i  VR80N 


members  decided  to  call  its  own  pastor,  who  should  give  the  congregation 
his  whole  time  of  sen  ice.  This  marks  the  separation  of  the  two  chimin's. 
The  result  of  this  decision  has  proven  its  wisdom  to  the  two  churches  in 
the  wonderful  progress  of  hoth  of  them. 

This  church  now  issued  calls  to  various  pastors  in  the  Synod,  hut  the 
call  in  each  case  was  declined.  A  period  now  ensued  during  which  the 
church  was  served  by  various  theological  students  from  the  seminary, 
then  located  in  Paxton,  111.  Finally  a  ver\  peculiar  thine  happened,  the 
motive  of  which  it  is  hard  to  judge  to-day.     Rev.  Nordgren,  who  was 

still  pastor  in  De  Kalb,  was  unanimousl]  called  as  pastor  of  this  church 
to  devote  all  of  his  time  here  and  to  live  here.  The  salary  offered  was 
the  largest  ever  offered  anj  pastor  here  before  and  after,  up  to  the  last 
two  years  of  Rev.  Frykman's  service  in  the  church.    Nordgren.  however, 

found  it  necessan    to  decline  the  call. 

\r   an  extra  hiisiness  meeting  of  the  church   held  July    M>.    1S7S.   the 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


19 


THE  NEW  PARSONAGE. 


Rev.  S.  G.  Larson  was  called  to  this  church.  He  accepted  the  call  and 
arrived  shortly  after.  He  thus  became  the  first  pastor  of  the  church, 
who  served  it  exclusively,  and  took  up  his  residence  in  Sycamore.  In 
1 88 1  the  congregation  was  legally  incorporated  and  changed  its  name 
from  the  designation  Samuel  to  Salem  Sw.  Ev.  Luth.  church.  Here 
the  minutes  record  another  peculiar  statement.  The  reason  for  changing 
from  Samuel  to  Salem  is  that  it  has  become  among  us  more  customary 
to  call  a  church  Salem  than  Samuel.  During  Larson's  time  here  many 
difficult  problems  found  their  solution.  One  of  these  problems  was  the 
question  of  a  parsonage.  The  church  needed  a  parsonage  now,  as  a 
resident  pastor  had  been  secured.  Concerning  this  matter  the  Rev. 
Frykman  says  in  one  of  his  records:  "The  congregation  was  divided 
between  two  distinct  views.  The  one  was  to  buy  a  lot  and  build  a  new 
house  on  it.  The,  other  was  to  buy  the  house  on  the  corner  of  Charles 
and  Somonauk  streets,  and  at  present  occupied  by  the  Rev.  Larson." 
Opinions  clashed  concerning  the  matter  and  not  a  little  personal  envy 
and  grudge  was  brought  into  the  discussion.  It  has  taken  years  to  heal 
the  wounds  of  that  conflict.  The  residence  rented  for  Rev.  Larson  was 
secured  by  a  few  individual  members  of  the  church  and  held  for  the 
church  in  case  it  should  later  see  fit  to  buy  it.     In   1879  this  property 


J.I 


S.ll.l  M  CONGREGA  1 1<>\ 


tinallv  was  obtained  bj  the  church,  a  transaction  which  has  proven  to  be 
.1  wise  one.  I  he  Rev.  Larson  remained  here  exactlj  seven  years.  Pasto; 
Larson  resigned  his  charge  here  in  September,  1885,  and  moved  to  New 
Windsor,  111. 

At  a  congregational  meeting  held  Jul)  29,  1883,  ,t,r  tni>  purpose  <>t 
calling  a  pastor,  the  Rev.  M.  Frykman  was  railed.  He  accepted  the 
call  and  came  here  shortl)  before  Christmas,   [885.     This  brinjz-  us  to 

a  verj  important  period  in  the 
histor)  ot  this  church.  The 
years  Rev.  Frykman  served  this 
ongregation  cover  nearly  halt 
of  the  years  ot  its  existence.  He 
spent  the  best  part  ot  his  life 
in  the  service  of  this  church. 
During  Larson's  pastorate  the 
church  had  grown  in  numbers 
and  Strength.  Shortly  after 
Frykman's  arrival  it  became  evi- 
dent that  it  would  soon  he  nei  es- 
sary  to  serine  a  larger  and  more 
suitable  church  building.  Some 
years,    however,    passed    before 

anv  definite  steps  were  taken  to 
realize  this  wish.  At  the  annual 
business  meeting  of  the  church 
held  on  January  1,  [896,  a 
committee  was  elected  to  pre- 
pare plans  and  submit  these 
plans  tor  a  new  church  building  at  an  extra  meeting  of  the  voting 
members  of  the  church,  to  be  held  Januar]  29,  the  same  vear.  Mem- 
bers of  this  committee  thus  elected  were  as  follows:  The  Rev.  M. 
Frykman,  Mr.  Axel  Strober^,  Mr.  A.  \Y.  Anderson.  Mr.  B.  A.  \V<- 
lahder,  Mr.  Gustaf  Nelson,  Mr.  P.  J.  Lundquist,  Mr.  Solomon  Quist. 
Mr.  Arthur  Johnson,  and  Mr.  John  [sraelson.  This  committee  re- 
ported its  plans  at  the  meeting  held  as  above  stipulated.  As  a  result  of 
this  report  the  meeting  passed  the  following  resolutions: 

1.  That  the  votes  be  cast  by  ballot. 

2.  To  build  a  church,  the  material  to  be  of  stone  (76  for  and  <> 
against ). 


I  III      II  KV  .     VI      li;\  KM  V\"    '• 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


21 


MR.    B.   A.    WELAXDER, 
Treasurer  25  years. 


MR.    Gl'STAF   XELSOX. 


MR.   JOHX   ISRAELSOX.      T1897 


MRS.    EMMA   ISRAELSOX. 


22 


S  II  EM  CONGREGATION 


y.     To  build  on  tin-  corner  of 
Somonauk  and  Charles  streets. 

4.    To  elect  ;i  subscription  com- 
mittee. 

The  following  were  elected  on 
this  committee:  Mr.  F.  Sandberg, 
Mr.  C.  <  ).  Johnson,  Mr.  John 
Johnson,  Mr.  Gustaf  Nelson,  Mr. 
( i.  E.  Nelson,  Mr.  Carl  Peterson, 
Mr.  John  [sraelson,  Mr.  Goran 
Johnson,  Mr.  Alfred  Johnson, 
Mr.  Emil  Grahn,  Mr.  Fred  Te- 
lander,  Mr.  Albert  Carlson.  The 
following  were  added  to  the  build- 
ing committee,  winch  hail  been  elected  at  a  previous  meeting:  Mr.  John 
Johnson,  Mr.  1-".  Sandberg,  anil  Mr.  John  Swanson.  At  this  meeting  it 
was  also  decided  that  all  who  subscribed  to  the  church  building  fund 
should   each   Lri\e  a   note   tor  the  amount   promised,  providing  he  or  she 


l[m  WM\   \  JF 


Ml;    JOHN   JOHNSON,    I  191  1 
MKS.    l\|\l  \  JOHNSON,    •  191  1. 


UK    <   Mil.  <   \lil.so\.    ;  Man  h  22,  run 


MRS    I   m;i  SON,   :o, ,.  21,   1910. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


23 


TMK  CHURCH   BELL,  DONATED  TO  THE  CONGREGATION"   BY  THE  Y.   P.   S.    IN"   1908. 


could  not  give  a  cash  donation.  These  notes  were  to  be  made  payable  in 
May  and  October  and  bear  interest  at  the  rate  of  6%  per  annum  after 
due.  The  parsonage  was  moved  from  the  corner  of  Somonauk  and 
Charles  streets  to  the  present  location.  Mr.  E.  J.  Peterson  of  Engle- 
wood,  111.,  was  secured  as  architect  for  the  new  building  and  to  super- 
intend the  work.  Mr.  J.  W.  McAlpine  received  the  contract  to  erect 
the  building.  The  total  cost  of  the  building  was  $16,094.  This  amount, 
however^  does  not  include  the  pipe  organ,  which  was  donated  to  the 
church  by  the  Y.  P.  S.,  in  1900.  Neither  does  it  include  the  church  bell, 
which  was  also  donated  to  the  congregation  by  the  Y.  P.  S.,  and  which 
was  used  for  the  first  time  on  December  13,  1908.  This  bell  with  its 
installation  cost  the  society  $600.  The  inscription  on  this  bell  is  as 
follows : 


24 


S  //./  .1/  CONGREGATIOh 


'■Rin^  out  mj  summons  clear, 
inc.  the  Word  df  ( Jod  to  hear, 
Return  to  do  \\  ithout  a  tear. 
I  his  bell  was  presented  to  the  Sw.  Ev.  Luth.  Salem  church  oi  Syca- 
more, III.,  In  the  Luther  League  of  the  church." 

N  ither  doe-  it  include  the  church  furnishings,  which  amounted  t<»  a 
considerable  sum.  The  corner  -tunc  was  placed  in  position  with  cus- 
tomar)  ceremonies  on  Jul)  9,  iSmi>.    The  program  as  carried  out  at  that 


THE   i:i:\     DR.    I    OLSSOXJ 


THE  l!K\  .   hi;     P     M     LINDBERG 


time  included,  among  manj  other  feature-,  speeches  bj  Dr.  P.  M.  Lind- 

berg  and  Dr.  (  ).  Olsson,  both  of  Rock  1-land.  III.,  and  the  Ke\  .  A.  T. 
Horn,  pa-tor  of  the  M.  E.  church  at  Sycamore  at  that  time.  The  corner 
-tone  contain-  the  following: 

i.     A  cop)  ot  the  Holj   Bible. 

2.      Copies  ot  the  following  paper-  and  periodical-:  AugUStana,  AugUS- 

tana  Journal.  Barnens  Tidning,  Lilla  Missionaren,  riemlandet,  True 
Republican,    Sycamore   Citj    Weekly,   historj    of   the   building  of   the 

church. 

;.     Roll  c.t  deacons  and  trustees  since  the  beginning  of  the  church. 
4.      List  of  officers  in  the  church  at  that  time. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  25 

5.  Roll  of  Sunday-school  teachers. 

6.  Building  and  subscription  committees,  names  of  architect,  con- 
tractor and  foremen  at  the  work. 

7.  Portraits  of  the  old  church  and  of  the  pastor  at  that  time. 

8.  Minutes  of  the  synodical  meeting  1895,  minutes  of  the  meeting  of 
the  Illinois  Conference  1896,  catalog  of  Augustana  College  and  Theo- 
logical Seminary  1895 — 1896. 

9.  $1,  50c,  25c,  ioc,  5c,  1  ore,  and  $1  in  paper. 

10.  Program  at  the  corner  stone  placing  festivities. 

Thus  it  is  seen  that  this  stone  contains  many  things  of  great  interest 
to  future  generations. 

The  dedication  of  the  new  church  took  place  on  Sunday,  February  28 
1897.  The  present  church  is  90  feet  long,  45  feet  wide  in  its  narrowest 
width  and  59  feet  in  its  greatest  width.  The  tower  is  117  feet  high. 
The  material  is  Portland  sand  stone  and  rock-faced.  It  has  besides  its 
splendid  auditorium,  a  fine  basement,  is  supplied  with  gas  and  electric 
light  and  all  necessary  equipment  for  social  purposes.  The  seating 
capacity  of  the  auditorium  is  700.  After  much  hard  work  and  many 
severe  problems  solved,  the  beautiful  edifice  was  now  ready  and  dedicated 
to  its  holy  purposes.  The  Rev.  M.  Frykman,  the  pastor  of  the  church 
at  that  time,  who  was  serving  also  in  the  capacity  of  president  of  the 
Illinois  Conference  of  the  Augustana  Synod,  officiated  as  such  in  the 
dedication  of  his  own  church.  It  might  be  interesting  to  be  reminded 
of  the  income  in  money  at  this  service: 

Collection  at  the  morning  service $  23.81 

Collection  in  the  afternoon 159.12 

Collection  in  the  evening    16.62 

Supper  served  on   Monday  evening 34-5° 

Total  income  $386.80 

There  remained  at  the  dedication  a  debt  on  the  church  of  about 
$5,000.  At  a  meeting  held  on  March  17,  1897,  hy  the  voting  members 
of  the  church,  the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  passed : 
"Whereas  the  great  undertaking  on  which  the  congregation  for  about  a 
year  ago  launched,  has  been  so  successfully  accomplished,  really  a  surprise 
to  the  members  themselves  as  well  as  to  others,  therefore  be  it  resolved : 
That  we  in  the  first  place  glorify  God,  remembering  that,  'Except  the 
Lord  build  the  house,  they  labor  in  vain  that  build  it,'  and  from  the 
bottom  of  our  hearts  thank  Him,  that  with  His  loving  and  mighty  arm 


SALEM  CONGREGATION 


He  has  guided  and  helped  us  in  all  respects,  and  that  He  has  protected 
those  who  have  labored  in  the  erection  <>t  this  house  of  God  so  that  no 
evil  or  accident  has  happened  to  anyone  connected  with  this  project." 

(  ITlis  was  accepted  In  a  rising  vote.)  Likewise  a  vote  of  thanks  u  ;is 
accorded  all  who  in  niie  way  or  another  had  lent  a  helping  hand  in  the 
accomplishment  of  the  new  church  building.  At  a  meeting  held  August 
I.    IS'*;,   it   was   reported   that  the  old  church   building  had   been  sold   to 


MRS.    P.    \l     ROOS,    •  1915. 


MU.    I'.    M.    Hon- 


Mr.  P.  M.  Roos.  The  old  records  do  not  say  the  price  Mr.  Roos  paid. 
During  the  pastorate  of  the  Rex.  Mr.  Frykman  some  jireat  things  were 
done.  After  the  new  church  was  read)  and  dedicated  to  its  holy  pur- 
poses,  the  congregation  continued  to  grow  slowl]  hut  with  a  steady  in- 
crease, 50  that  at  his  removal  there  were  600  communicants  with  28  ^ 
children,  making  a  grand  total  of  88.}  members.  In  iN<>8  the  Illinois 
Conference  held  its  annual  meeting  here.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Frykman 
complains  somewhat,  however,  in  his  last  pastoral  report  to  the  annual 
meeting  of  this  church  held  January  1,  190;,  that  the  congregation  had 
tailed  to  meet  its  financial  obligations  to  the  conference  and  Synod. 

Toward  the  close  of  this  period,  the  ^  .  1\  S.  was  to  some  extent 
reorganized  and  became  known  as  the  Luther  League.  This  organiza- 
tion was  rather  imperfect,  however,  hut  nevertheless  it  was  a  move  in 
the  right  direction.  During  this  period  the  Dorcas  Societ)  was  organized 
through  the  initiative  of  Mrs.   [.  L.  Ericson.      Toward  the  close  of  the 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


27 


1TATE  STfltl  ING  EAST,     SYCAMORE,  ILL 


"^ffilflltffrflC^ 


year  1908,  the  Rev.  M.  Frykman  resigned  his  charge  here  after  a  service 
of  twenty-three  years  and  moved  to  Gibson  City,  111.,  in  the  beginning 
of  1909.  At  an  extra  meeting  held  December  9,  1908,  for  the  purpose 
of  calling  a  pastor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Albert  Okerstrom,  then  pastor  in  Hib- 
bing,  Minn.,  was  called  to  become  the  fifth  pastor  of  this  church.  He 
accepted  the  call  and  took  up  his  work  here  in  May,  1909.  The  church 
was  just  at  work  building  a  new  parsonage  when  he  came.  He  and  his 
wife  lived  for  several  weeks  at  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  F.  Swan- 
son,  on  Locust  street,  until  the  new  parsonage  became  ready  for  occu- 
pancy. The  great  and  difficult  problem  confronting  the  new  pastor 
was  the  language  question.  Up  to  this  time  very  little,  if  any,  English 
had  been  used  in  the  work  of  the  church.  A  great  number,  especially 
among  the  younger  generation,  demanded  some  English  services  and 
English  instruction  in  the  Sunday-school.  When  the  new  pastor  arrived 
he  found  all  the  various  treasuries  in  the  societies  within  the  church 
completely  depleted  of  funds.  This  was  due  to  the  fact  that  the  business 
meetings  of  the  various  societies  had  been  held  in  the  month  of  December 
instead  of  January.  These  facts  also  show  that  this  course  had  been 
taken  in  order  to  clear  up  the  expenses  for  the  year  1908.  There  was 
also  a  financial  problem  to  solve.     There  was  an  indebtedness  of  nearly 


s.ll./M  CONGREG  1TI0N 

H..  resting  upon  the  church.  This  seemed  to  the  new  pastor  to  be 
entirel)  unnecessary.  His  question  was  this:  Win  pa]  out  large  sums 
■  it  monej  for  interest?  Whj  couldn't  that  interest  money  just  as  well 
be  used  for  benevolences,  charity?  At  the  annual  meeting  January  i. 
pin.  .Mi^  Selma  Erickson,  representing  an  organization  known  as  The 
Mite  Collectors  Club,  organized  and  guided  in  in  work  bj  Mrs.  Albert 
<  )kerstrom,  presented  tin-  congregation  a  sum  i  ;i>  the  first  con- 

tribution for  tin-  payment  of  the  debt.  This  stimulated  the  meeting  to 
pass  the  following  motion:  That  this  congregation  resolves  to  pa)  the 
debt  resting  on  it  during  this  fiscal  year,  and  that  the  pastor  together 
with  the  council  be  authorized  to  secure  subscriptions  and  donations  for 
this  purpose,  and  that  the  sums  of  monev  thus  assured  be  paid  in  full 
before  the  next  Thanksgiving  Day. 

Thanksgiving  Day,  pm  i.  will  never  be  forgotten  in  this  church.  The 
debt  had  been  paid,  and  in  consequence  special  services  were  held.  High 
M  iss  w,  s  held  in  the  morning,  at  which  Dr.  C.  A.  Blomgren  and  Prof. 
J.  Sebelius,  both  of  Rock  Island,  officiated.  Dinner  was  served  to  many 
hundred  people  who  had  come  out  tor  the  celebration.  This  splendid 
dinner  was  tree  to  all.  In  the  evening  a  splendid  musical  program  was 
given  bj  home  and  outside  talent.  Considerable  sums  of  monev  were 
received  for  church  purposes. 

During  this  period  English  was  introduced  in  the  Sundayschool,  and 
English  services  were  becoming  more  popular.  English  has  been  coming 
into  use  more  and  more  as  the  vcars  have  sped  by.  The  Sunday-school 
and  nearly  all  of  the  societies  have  been  thoroughly  reorganized,  in  order 
to  do  more  effective  work.  In  [913  the  interior  of  the  church  building 
was  repaired  and  man]  improvements  installed.  The  expenses  of  those 
improvements  amounted  to  about  $1,500.  The  following  year  the 
Augustana  Synod  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the  U.  S.  of  North  America 
held  its  fifty-fifth  annual  meeting  here.  Some  400  delegates  attended 
the  meeting.  This  meeting  will  long  be  remembered  by  those  who  had 
the  opportunity  to  attend.  This  meeting  was  held  in  the  month  of  June, 
when  Sycamore  is  robed  in  all  its  springtime  grandeur.  The  people  of  our 
citv  deserve  recognition  for  the  splendid  courtesj  extended  this  church  in 
doing  all  in  their  power  in  assisting  us  in  the  care  of  the  large  delegation. 
In  1916  a  new  financial  system  was  inaugurated,  the  Duplex  Envelope 
System.  The  old  system  of  a  certain  amount  levied  at  the  annual 
meeting  on  each  member  is  not  just,  nor  satisfactory,  hence  the  inaugura- 
tion of  this  new   system.      The  introduction  of  this  s\  stem  created  a  new 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


29 


MR.   J.  L.   ERICSON, 
First  Financial  Secretary. 


MR.  BERT  QUIST, 
Second   Financial   Secretary. 


office,  the  financial  secretary.  Mr.  J.  L.  Erickson  was  elected  to  fill  this 
office.  The  next  financial  secretary  was  Mr.  Bert  Quist,  now  of  Rock 
Island,  111.  The  present  incumbent  of  the  office  is  Miss  Selma  Erickson. 
In  1918  the  constitution  of  the  church  was  changed,  with  the  consent 
of  the  Illinois  Conference,  so  that  the 
ladies  of  the  church  who  have  attained 
to  the  age  of  eighteen  years  have  voting 
rights  at  the  meetings.  The  first  meet- 
ing at  which  the  ladies  enjoyed  this 
privilege  was  at  the  annual  meeting 
held  January  1,  19 19.  Quite  a  few 
of  our  ladies  made  use  of  this  oppor- 
tunity and  took  not  a  little  interest  in 
the  deliberations  of  the  meeting.  The 
meeting  was  consequently  of  historic 
import.  In  the  same  year  the  Salem 
Men's  Society  was  organized.  It  is 
now  a  member  of  the  L.  B.  A.  In  the 
early  spring  of  1919  a  grand  subscrip- 
tion was  taken  up  in  the  church  by  the  MIgg  SELMA  erickson 
general  superintendent  of  the  charitable               Present  Financial  Secretary. 


JO 


SALEM  CONGREGATIOh 


MINISTERS'  WIVES  IN  SYCAMORE  DURING  THE  LAST 

FIFTY  VFARS 


SIRS.    8.    G.    LARSON. 


MRS     \     III  I.I' 


MRS     \     SORDORBN 


MRS.    If.    KIIVKMW. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


3i 


MRS.    ANNA    M.    OKERSTROM, 


institutions  in  the  Illinois  Conference, 
for  the  payment  of  a  debt  on  these  in- 
stitutions, which  amounted  to  some  over 
$4.50  per  communicant.  The  last  years 
have  seen  the  birth  of  a  number  of 
organizations  within  the  church :  the 
Fidelis  Society,  the. Junior  Missionary 
Society,  W.  H.  and  ljj\  M.  Society,  etc. 
Another  important  step  was  taken  when 
the  congregation  began  the  publication 
of  a  parish  paper,  Salemsbudet.  Its 
first  number  appeared  in  1908.  The 
object  of  this  publication  is  well  stated 
in  its  first  issue,  written  by  the  editor 
at  the  time.  It  reads  as  follows:  "This 
small  and  unpretentious  periodical  or 
parish  paper,  which  is  hereby  placed  in 
your  hands  for  perusal,  is  the  fulfill- 
ment of  a  long-cherished  wish  and  is  intended  to  fill  a  similarly  long  felt 
need  of  a  local  church  paper.  The  object  of  it  is  to  scatter  broadcast 
among  us  little  kernels  of  precious  seeds  and  bring  to  us  all  messages  of 
peace  from  the  God  of  peace,  as  well  as  words  of  warning  and  of  awak- 
ening to  them  who  are  slumbering  unto  death,  to  every  nook  and  corner 
of  our  congregation.  This  is  to  be  accomplished  through  the  publication 
of  devotional  articles,  Christian  stories  and  short  paragraphs  of  religious 
news  at  home  and  also  from  other  churches  and  congregations.  We  hope 
also  that  it  may  be  of  comfort  and  cheer  to  those  who  are  living  far  from 
the  church  and  find  it  difficult  to  regularly  attend  divine  services,  as 
well  as  for  shut-ins. 

"The  object  is  also  to  inform  the  members  at  frequent  intervals  of 
the  financial  condition  of  the  church,  to  give  local  church  news  con- 
cerning members  and  our  countrymen  in  general.  We  believe  that  the 
lack  of  interest  sometimes  found  among  church  members  is  in  a  large 
measure  due  to  lack  of  information  as  to  real  conditions.  We  propose 
to  keep  the  readers  of  this  church  paper  informed  on  matters  pertaining 
to  their  own  church.  We  would  inspire  to  more  zealous  interest  in  the 
things  of  the  church ! 

"The  name  of  this  paper,  Salemsbudet,  is  significant,  meaning  a  mes- 


\2 


SALEM  CONGREGATlOh 


i 
i 


- 
- 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  33 

sengcr  of  peace,  thus  in  full  harmony  with  the  official  name  of  our 
church.     May  Salemsbudet  make  good  its  name." 

The  Rev.  M.  Frykman  was  its  first  editor,  editing,  however,  only 
the  first  six  issues.  The  following  numbers  have  been  edited  by  its 
present  editor.  It  has  taken  care  of  its  own  finances  and  never  cost  the 
church  a  penny. 

During  the  first  years  in  the  history  of  this  church  the  confirmation 
classes  were  confirmed  alternately  in  De  Kalb  and  Sycamore.  The  first 
class  to  be  confirmed  in  Sycamore  was  in  1875  and  consisted  of  the  fol- 
lowing members:  Carl  Johan  Pihl,  Gustaf  Adolf  Pihl,  Carl  Olof  John- 
son, Johan  Victor  Larsbn,  Claes  Johan  Anderson,  Anders  William  An- 
derson, Carl  Anton  Landfors,  Mattias  Svensson,  Carl  Oscar  Gustenson, 
Clara  Mathilda  Anderson,  Maria  Kristina  Jakobson.  With  the  excep- 
tion of  the  years  1876  and  1878  a  class  has  been  confirmed  every  year 
since,  numbering  in  all  926,  this  year's  class  included.  Since  1886. 
1,165  children  and  a  few  adults  have  received  holy  baptism,  561  burials 
and  360  marriages  belong  to  the  records  of  the  pastoral  service  of  the 
church.  No  records  as  to  pastoral  acts  performed  are  to  be  found  before 
the  year  1886.  The  records  show  that  on  January  I,  1880,  the  com- 
municant membership  was  320.  To-day  the  communicants  are  710,  with 
a  total  membership  of  1,060. 

The  total  income  as  recorded  by  the  treasurer  in  1881  was  $1,784.74. 
The  total  income  for  19 18  was  $5,026.17. 

The  societies  which  are  at  present  active  and  successful  are  the  fol- 
lowing: Luther  League,  Fidelis  Society,  Junior  Missionary  Society, 
W.  H.  and  F.  M.  Society,  Salem  Men's  Society,  Dorcas  Society  in  three 
departments,  Ladies'  Aid  Society  in  three  departments,  Salem  Jubilee 
Chorus. 

Of  the  pastors  who  have  served  this  congregation  only  the  Rev.  N. 
Nordgren,  besides  the  present  pastor,  is  still  living.  The  history  of  this 
church  is  exceedingly  interesting.  I  marvel  at  the  trust  and  confidence 
of  these  poor  old  settlers  in  their  God  and  church.  The  foundation  they 
laid  is  good  enough  even  for  us  and  this  present  age.  There  have  been 
many  trials  and  much  difficulty  on  the  way,  but  the  results  will  show 
that  God  has  abundantly  blessed  the  work  and  looked  upon  it  with 
favor.  The  spiritual  results,  however,  will  not  be  known  till  upon  the 
final  accounting,  when  the  Lord  shall  decide  as  to  all  servants  and  their 
work.     Our  work,  however,  has  not  been  in  vain. 

The  council  at  present  is  composed  of  the  following  members:  Mr. 


2    £ 


.   — 


.-   Ss 


- 


.    s 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


3.5 


m*^ 

Ik 

MR.    JOHN    QUIST,    Secretary. 


MR.   G.   E.    NELSON,  Treasurer. 


MRS.    EMIL   CARLSON, 

Organist  and  Choir  Directress. 


MR.    ANDREW    ELMBERG.    Sexton. 


{6  S  //  /  1/  CONGREGATIOh 

(',.  II.  Carlson,  Mr.  Gustaf  Nelson,  Mr.  Fred  Carlson,  Mr.  Adult 
Quarnstrom,  Mr.  N.  P.  Husberg,  Mr.  Albert  Carlson.  The  board  of 
trustees  is  composed  of  the  following:  Mr.  I  no  T.  Anderson,  Mr.  John 
II.  Johnson,  Mr.  C.  \.  Noren,  Mr.  riikan  Carlson,  Mr.  John  Ahl- 
strom,  Mr.  ii.  I  .  Nelson. 

(  )ther  officers  in  rlu-  church  are  as  follows:  Mr.  J.  M.  Quist,  secre- 
tary; Miss  Selma  Erickson,  financial  secretary;  Mr.  ( I.  I".  Nelson, 
treasurer;  Mrs.  Emil  Carlson,  organist  and  choir  directress;  Mr.  An- 
drew Elmberg,  sexton. 

God  grant  His  continued  good  will  toward  us,  and  all  honor  and 
glorj  >liall  now  and  forever  be  rendered  unto  His  holj  name  bj  His 
people. 


ft< 


v*^ 

© 

VW 

SCHOOLS  AND  SOCIETIES 


THE  SUNDAY-SCHOOL 


BY  MR.  ADOLF  QUARNSTROM 


SHORTLY  after  the  organization  of  the  church,  a  Sunday-school 
was  also  organized.  This  took  place  in  1871.  The  first  teachers 
were  the  following:  Mr.  J.  A.  Pihl,  Mr.  P.  M.  Landfors,  Mr. 
Anders  Carlson,  Mr.  C.  G.  Quarnstrom,  Mr.  Malcolm  Wallin,  and 
Mr.  John  Peterson.  The  books  used  were  the  following:  the  Bible, 
the  Bible  History,  the  Luther  Cathechism,  and,  for  the  small  children, 
the  ABC-book. 

The  school  assembled  every  Sunday  afternoon  at  three  o'clock.  The 
Bible  Class  was  very  well  attended  at  this  time  and  constituted  the 
essential  feature  of  the  school.  The  fact  that  the  older  people  regularly 
attended  the  Sunday-school  gave  a  splendid  example  for  the  younger 
generation.  A  few  years  later  the  time  was  changed  from  three  o'clock 
to  twelve  o'clock  noon,  immediately  following  the  morning  service.  This 
time  has  been  maintained  for  many  years.  In  1920  this  was  again 
changed  to  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning,  immediately  before  the  service, 
the  aim  being  to  have  the  Sunday-school  scholars  remain  for  the  services. 

In  1878  a  Sunday-school  was  started  in  North  Grove  by  Mr.  C.  G. 
Quarnstrom.  This  school  grew  to  be  a  larger  school  than  the  one  at  the 
church.  More  teachers  were  employed  out  there  than  in  town.  The 
highest  number  of  scholars  was  sixty  enrolled  pupils.  At  present  this 
Sunday-school  is  merged  with  the  school  in  town.  For  many  years  no 
English  classes  were  found  in  our  Sunday-school,  but  in  1907  Mrs.  J. 
M.  Nelson  started  an  English  class  in  the  regular  Sunday-school  in  the 
church.     This  beginning  has  been  of  immense  value  in  our  work.     To- 


/ 


I 


•Jl 

■A 


4" 


S  //  /  1/  CONGREGATION 


daj  more  than  half  of  the  number  of  children  in  attendance  are  instructed 
through  the  medium  of  the  English  language.  During  the  last  yean  i 
graded  and  systematic  organization  has  been  perfected,  and  has  been  of 
it  help  in  the  work.  There  arc  some  [20  children  receiving  instruc- 
tion in  the  Sunday-school,  given  by  thirteen  teachers.  The  following 
teachers  are  at  present  sen ing :  Mr.  Ad<dt  Quarnstrom,  the  Rev.  Alhert 
Okerstrom,  Mr.  F.  Bexell,  Mrs.  Emil  Carlson,  Mhs  Bertha  Stromberg, 
Mr.  Frank  Swanson,  Mr.  Alhert  Carbon,  Mrs.  Frank  Swanson,  Miss 
Selma  Erickson,  Miss  Hulda  Roos,  Miss  Helen  Aberg,  Mrs.  Alber* 
Okerstrom,  Miss  Abbie  Quarnstrom. 


I  111.  PAROCHIAL  SCHOOL 

BY    MR.    R.    A.    W  II    WHIR 


It  is  a  well  known  tact  that  the  Swedish  people  who  came  to  this 
country  and  became  permanent  citizens,  as  most  of  them  did,  were 
anxious  not  only  to  establish  churches  in  their  midst,  but  also  to  maintain 
schools  tor  their  children,  in  which  they  might  receive  instruction  in  the 
principles  of  religion  and  also  learn  the  language  of  their  fathers,  that 

they  might  profit  from  a  study  of  a  rich 
and  abundant  literature.       These  state- 
^^ttg^  ments  apply  also  to  the  earh    Swedish 

ML.        y  T^L    .  rettlers  in  this  parr  of  the  state.     In  the 

V  *  '         %  years  of    1868  and    i86<j   there  was  a 

*"  great   influx  of   Swedish  settlers  in  the 

•^^   M  regions  immediateh    surrounding  Syca- 

more,  and   as  early  as    1870  a   Swedish 
"N  congregation   had   been  organized,  and 

shortly  after  that  the  parochial  school 
came  into  existence.  The  members  of 
the  new  congregation  were  widely  scat- 
tered throughout  this  part  of  the  coun- 
ty, and  hence  the  congregation  was  di- 
\  ided  into  three  distinct  districts,  viz., 
City.  Ohio  Grove,  North  Grove.  In 
1872  this  work  began  in  earnest  and 
with  few  exceptions  has  been  continued 


Miss   JENNIE    IBERG, 
Scl l-teacher  for  mam    rean 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  4i 

every  year  since  that  year.  Of  late  the  instruction  has  heen  mainly 
religious  and  given  in  Enelish.  The  first  teachers  were  students  from 
Augustana  College,  now  located  in  Rock  Island,  but  at  that  time  in 
Paxton,  111.  This  work  has  been  of  far-reaching  consequences  in  the 
development  and  maintenance  of  the  local  church.  Some  of  those  who 
attended  this  school  in  its  early  existence  are  now  among  the  old  members 
of  the  church.  Some  of  them  are  fathers  and  mothers,  and  some  are  even 
grandfathers  or  grandmothers.  This  work  is  still  being  conducted  in 
this  church  and  is  of  vital  importance. 

The  following  persons  have  been  employed  as  teachers  during 
the  last  fifty  years:  Mr.  A.  M.  Broken,  Mr.  J.  Laurin,  Miss  Maria 
Horberg,  Mr.  P.  Lofgren,  Mrs.  P.  Lofgren,  Mr.  E.  Nelander,  Mr. 
August  Johnson,  Mrs.  S.  G.  Larson,  Mr.  E.  P.  Olsson,  Mr.  Claes 
Larson,  Miss  Mathilda  Nylander,  Mr.  J.  A.  Pihl,  Miss  Hanna  Holm- 
berg,  Mr.  A.  E.  Hiller,  Mr.  B.  A.  Welander,  Mr.  C.  G.  Lindsten, 
Mr.  P.  O.  Bersell,  Mr.  O.  B.  Nelson,  Mr.  Carl  Rask,  Mr.  Erik  Sa- 
muelson,  Mr.  J.  Hogstedt,  Mr.  Einar  Joranson,  Prof.  C.  F.  Fredrick- 
son,  Mr.  Victor  Frykman,  Mr.  Waldo  Ekeberg,  Mr.  Arthur  Johnson, 
Mr.  R.  A.  Jacobson,  Mr.  G.  E.  Ostrom,  Miss  Jennie  Aberg,  Miss 
Adele  Thurstone,  Mrs.  Albert  Okerstrom,  Mr.  Emil  Johnson. 


THE  LUTHER  LEAGUE 

BY  MISS  BERTHA  STROMBERG 

A  society  of  young  people  in  this  church  was  organized  very  early, 
the  exact  date  cannot  be  given.  The  name  adopted  for  this  society 
was  the  following:  Svenska  evangelisk-lutherska  ungdomsforeningen. 
The  meetings  were  held  in  the  various  homes  of  its  members.  In 
spite  of  a  small  membership,  this  organization  contributed  much  to 
the  support  of  the  church  and  was  of  inestimable  value  to  its  members. 
In  1892  a  small  house  near  the  church  was  purchased,  which  was  used 
for  social  purposes.  When  the  new  church  was  being  erected,  the  society 
took  an  active  part  in  this  undertaking.  The  society  decorated  and 
furnished  the  basement,  that  it  might  hold  its  meetings  here.  The 
society  at  this  particular  time  realized  that  a  new  and  larger  pipe  organ 
ought  to  be  installed  in  the  new  church,  hence  they  went  to  work  with 
energy  and  much  enthusiasm  in  this  interest.     The  result  was  that  our 


_ 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  43 

present  fine  pipe  organ  was  installed  in  1900.  A  new  piano  was  bought 
for  use  in  the  basement.  A  few  years  later  another  fine  piano  was 
secured  for  the  church  auditorium.  In  1908,  on  the  suggestion  of  the 
late  Rev.  M.  Frykman,  who  was  pastor  at  that  time,  the  Young  People's 
Society  changed  its  name  to  the  "Luther  League"  of  the  church,  and 
a  new  constitution  was  adopted.  One  of  the  happiest  moments  in  the 
history  of  this  league  was  at  the  new  years'  wake,  December  31,  1908, 
when  the  great  bell  in  the  church  tower  was  rung  for  the  first  time. 
Every  Luther  leaguer  felt  a  just  pride  at  this  moment.  This  bell  was  a 
gift  to  the  church  from  the  Luther  League.  The  league  had  worked 
for  this  cause  for  two  years.  A  few  years  ago  the  Luther  League  in- 
stalled new  fixtures  for  the  electric  lighting  of  the  church  auditorium. 
The  chairs  in  the  balcony  of  the  church  are  also  a  gift  to  the  church  by 
the  league.  Under  the  auspices  of  this  league,  the  Rockford  District 
Luther  League  was  organized  in  Sycamore  in  1909.  The  District 
league  has  held  annual  meetings  here  ae  various  times  during  the  course 
of  time.  A  reception  for  the  confirmation  class  is  given  by  the  league 
each  year.  A  great  number  of  the  confirmands  each  year  join  the  league, 
and  by  interesting  and  instructing  them,  experience  is  gained  for  helping 
in  the  congregational  work  at  large.  Under  good  leadership  the  league 
has  accomplished  much  good  both  socially  and  financially,  and,  with 
God's  help,  much  more  will  be  accomplished  in  the  days  to  come. 

The  following  are  members : 

Helen  Aberg  Selma  Erickson 

Jennie  Aberg  Martin  Eklund 

Marjorie  Anderson  Carl  Eklund 

Edgar  Anderson  Edmund  Eklund 

Vernie  Blade  Walter  Gronberg 

Clifford  Blade  Irene  Haugen 

Paul  Carlson  Pearl  Haugen 

Elmer  Carlson  Viola  Haugen  Jenkins 

Jessie  Carlson  Ruth  Johnson 

Marie  Carlson  Sophia  Johnson 

Joyce  Carlson  Stanley  Johnson 

LeRoy  Carlson  Florence  Johnson 

La  Verne  Carlson  Herman  Johnson 

Claude  Carlson  Paul  Johnson 

Arthur  Carlson  Maurice  Johnson 

Henry  Carlson  Ellen  Klemendson 

Harry  Carlson  Hildur  Lindgren 

Vernie  Castenson  Edith  Norlin 

Dewey  Eckland  John  Nachtigal 


4+ 


S  //  /  .1/  CONGREG  rnos 


Alice  Nachtigal 

Anna  Aberg  ( Hcerstrom 

I  )r.  Albert  ( Ikerstrom 

Mabel  Quist  <  Meson 

Albert  Pearson 

Jennie  Wellander  Peterson 

Alvie  Peterson 

Elmer  Peterson 

Bessie  Peterson 

Helen  Peterson 

( riinhild  Palmer 

Abbie  Quarnstrom 

Alma  Quist 

Helen  Stroberg 


Ruth  Stroberg 
Leonard  Stroberg 
Bertha  Stromberg 
Alvina  Sandholm 
Beatrice  Sandholm 

\  ictor  Sw  anson 
Chester  Sw  anson 
[ennie  Swedberg 

".Mabel    Wing 

(  it  ace  W  ring 
Earl  Wellander 
Harold  Wellander 

Pearl    Wellander 


LADIES'  AID  SOCIETY  OF  SYCAMORE 

BY   MRS.   SAM.   (.HIST 

I  joined  the  Ladies'  Sewing  Society  in  1 877.  How  long  before  that 
dare  the  societ]  had  existed,  I  cannot  tell,  but  from  various  facts  known. 
the  societ]  had  held  meetings  almost  from  the  organization  of  the  con- 
gregation, in  1870.  We  used  to  meet  once  a  month  in  the  homes  of 
members.  At  these  meetings  various  articles,  such  as  wearing  apparel, 
etc.  for  which  material  had  been  bought  and  cut  by  the  ladies  elected 
to  have  charge  of  the  work,  was  distributed  among  the  members  for 
sewing.  1  he  articles  which  were  not  completed  were  to  be  taken  home 
to  be  worked  at  leisure  hours  and,  when  finished,  returned  to  the  society. 
Ar  the  time  of  the  annual  Sunday-school  picnics,  generally  held  about 
midsummer,  all  of  the  finished  articles  and  other  articles  which  were 
donated  were  sold  at  auction.  These  occasions  constituted  an  attraction 
within  the  church  which  few  auctions  later  on  ever  could  create.  Some 
member  of  the  church  served  as  auctioneer.  Upon  him  depended  in  a 
great  measure  the  financial  results.  The  cash  thus  secured  was  used 
tor  home  and  foreign  missions  and  for  the  poor  and  needy  within  our 
own  church.  Later  a  house  was  bought  by  the  congregation,  which  was 
located  just  west  of  the  old  church  building,  and  in  which  the  societ] 
held  its  meetings  for  a  considerable  length  of  time.  This  meeting  place 
was  abandoned  when  the  new  church  was  built  and  ready.  During  the 
earl]    days  the  ladies  of  both  city  and  the  COUntrj    districts  held  meetings 


o 

< 


H 

s 

o 


t/3 
65 


Q 


4" 


SALEM  CONGREGATION 


in  common.  Hie  need,  however,  required  a  division  in  the  work,  and 
so  the  I. a«liCs'  Aid  Societ]  of  North  Grove  was  started  in  isx<>.  The 
I. a. lies'  Aid  of  Ohio  Grove  was  started  in  1887.  From  this  year  on, 
instead  ot  making  and  finishing  articles  for  the  auction,  we  donated 
various  articles,  and  the  meetings  partook  more  of  the  nature  of  a  devo- 
tional character.  The  societj  at  this  time  changed  the  date  tor  this 
testi\it\  to  Thanksgoving  Day,  in  the  evening.  These  festivals  have 
with  \er\  tew  exceptions  been  ver)  successful.  In  the  course  of  rime 
the  name  has  also  been  changed  from  Sewing  Societ]  to  Ladies'  Aid 
Society.     Thanksgiving   Da)    is  still  devoted  to  this  splendid  work  of 

gathering  of   monej    for  the   Lord's  cause.      It  now  partakes  more  of  the 

nature  of  a  thank-offering  unto  the  Lord  tor  benefits  received.  There 
are  at  present  seventy  members  enrolled.  The  present  officers  are  the 
following:  Mrs.  (",.  E.  Nelson,  secretary;  Mrs.  Uno  T.  Anderson 
treasurer;  Mrs.  Lmil  Carlson,  organist.  A  lot  of  the  work  is  accom- 
plished through  committees.  It  has  been  <>f  great  service  to  the  church 
in  its  various  departments  of  service.     Members: 


Mrs.  L.  T.  Anderson 

Mrs.  John   E.   Anderson 

Mrs.  John  Ahlstrom 

Mis.  Albert  Brooman 

Mis.  Frank  Bexel] 

Mrs.  C.    Lmil    Carlson 

Mrs.  Alfred  Carlson 

Mis.  A.    P.  Carlson 

Mrs.  Fiakan  Carlson 

Mrs.  Lmil    CarLon 

Mrs.  Frank  Ericson 

Mrs.  I.  L.  Ericson 

Mrs.  Will  Ecklund 

Mrs.  Carl   Lcklund 

Mrs.  Andrew  Elmberg 

Mrs.  J.  L.  Fant 

Mrs.  C.  A.  Fant 

M is.  Will  ( rustafson 

Mrs.  N.  P.  Husberg 
Mis.     \nton    Hedlund 

Mis.  C.  O.  Johnson 

Mis.  J.   1'.  Johnson 

Mis.  C.    I ).  Johnson 

Mis.  Aron  Johnson 

Mis.  ( )scar  Johnson 

Mis.  John  Linquist 

Mrs.  Peter  Lindgren 


Mrs.  Chas.  Lilja 
Mrs.  Chas.  E.    Larson 
Mrs.   Fiakan  Larson 
Mis.  ( ;.  H.  Lindberg 
Mis.  ( )tto  Lindberg 
Mis.  Hanna  Lindstrom 
Mis.  Peter  Medeen 
M  is.  John  M.  Nelson 
Mis.  Christine   Nelson 
Mis.    Hilda   Nelson 
Mrs.  ( i.  Lmil  Nelson 
Mrs.  Gustaf  Nelson 
Mis.   Herman   Nachtiizal 
Mis.    Bert   Nelson 

Mis.  A.  ( Ikerstrom 
Mis.  ( )rto  ( )lson 
Mrs.  Carl  Palmer 
Mrs.  J.  A.   Peterson 
Mis.  Chas.   Peterson 
Mis.   Axel    Peterson 
Mis.   (  )ttO    Peterson 
Mis.  John   M.  Quist 
Mis.  Sam  Quist 
Mrs.  Adolf  Quarnstrom 
Mis.  C.  ( i.  Quarnstrom 
Mrs.  C.  L.  Roose 

Mis.    Bert    Roose 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  47 

Mrs.  M.  A.  Rasmussen  Mrs.  C.  August  Swanson 

Mrs.  Oscar  Stroberg  Mrs.  Edward  Swanson 

Mrs.   Elmer  Stroberg  Mrs.  Nellie  Sampson 

Mrs.  Axel  Stroberg  Mrs.  H.  L.  Sandholm 

Mrs.  Alfred  Stromberg  Mrs.  John   Strombom 

Mrs.  C.  A.  Swanson  Mrs.  Augusta  Welander 

Mrs.  F.  O.  Swanson  Mrs.  Peter  Wing 
Mrs.  A.  F.  Swanson 


LADIES'  AID  OF  NORTH  GROVE 

BY   MRS.   ALBERT   CARLSON 

This  is  a  branch  of  the  congregational  Ladies'  Aid  Society.  It  is  not 
a  very  recent  organization.  We  find  that  this  society  was  started  as 
early  as  1886.  The  first  meetings  were  called  Sewing  Societies.  At 
these  meetings  the  ladies  wTould  do  work.  Everybody  was  busy.  The 
articles  made  would  later  be  auctioned  off  at  some  festivity  within  the' 
church  and  the  funds  thus  secured  used  for  the  wTork  of  the  church.  A 
great  deal  of  interest  has  constantly  characterized  this  society.  The 
meetings  have  somewhat  changed  during  the  course  of  years.  No  sewing 
is  done  as  these  meetings  any  more.  Meetings  are  held  in  homes  of  mem- 
bers once  a  month.  Those  who  attended  the  first  meeting  of  the  society 
are  the  following:  Mrs.  Carl  Carlson,  Mrs.  A.  C.  Svedberg,  Mrs.  B. 
A.  Welander,  Mrs.  Gustaf  Fant,  Mrs.  S.  M.  Linden,  Mrs.  Nels  Lind, 
Mrs.  John  Stroberg,  Mrs.  John  Swanson,  Mrs.  Carl  Peterson,  Mrs.  M. 
Lindstrom,  Mrs.  John  Lindahl,  Mrs.  Gust  Gronberg,  Mrs.  Hakan 
Bengtson,  Mrs.  Lena  Johnson,  Mrs.  A.  P.  Samuelson,  Mrs.  Gust  Lind- 
strom, Mrs.  J.  P.  Marsh.  There  are  only  four  of  those  above  men- 
tioned who  are  still  members,  viz.,  Mrs.  A.  C.  Svedberg,  Mrs.  B.  A. 
Welander,  Mrs.  Lena  Johnson  and  Mrs.  G.  Gronberg.  This  society 
has  constantly  shown  its  good  will  toward  the  church  by  its  frequent 
donations  of  considerable  sums  of  money  to  be  used  for  various  purposes 
in  the  church  and  in  missions.  The  usual  officers  and  committees  are 
elected  at  the  regular  business  meeting,  generally  held  in  January  of  each 
year.     The  following  are  the  members : 

Mrs.  Alfred  Reed  Mrs.  Nels  Benson 

Mrs.  Daniel  Freed  Mrs.  Walter  Marsh 

Mrs.  Charles  J.  Johnson  Mrs.   Oliver   Nelson 

Mrs.  John  Nelson  Mrs.  A.  C.  Swedberg 


7: 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  49 

Mrs.  Gust  Gronberg  Mrs.  Andrew  Peterson 

Mrs.  Albert  Carlson  Mrs.  Frank  Gronberg 

Mrs.   Richard   Swedberg  Mrs.  Axel  Lindstrom 

Mrs.  Axel  Roose  Mrs.  John  H.  Johnson 

Mrs.  Andrew  Turkelson  Mrs.   Chas.   Lindstrom 

Mrs.  B.  A.  Wellander  Mrs.  Lena  Johnson 

Mrs.  Oscar  Carlson  Mrs.  Josephine   Martinson 

Mrs.  P.  Ecklund  Miss  Lydia  Svedberg 

Mrs.  Edward  Gronberg  Miss  Nathalia  Pearson 


THE  OHIO  GROVE  DIVISION  OF  THE  LADIES'  AID 

BY   MRS.   FRED  CARLSON 

During  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  S.  G.  Larson,  meetings  were  regu- 
larly held  in  Ohio  Grove,  but  were  held  in  the  nature  of  prayer  meetings. 
These  meetings  were  continued  even  during  the  first  period  of  the  Rev. 
M.  Frykman's  pastorate  here.  The  ladies  of  Ohio  Grove  felt,  however, 
the  necessity  and  need  of  a  specific  organization  of  women  in  this  district 
of  the  church.  Several  meetings  were  held  in  this  interest,  the  first  one 
being  held  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  Carolina  Bladstrom,  the  second  one  at 
the  home  of  Mrs.  Anna  Svenson.  Here  at  the  meeting  in  the  home  of 
Mrs.  Anna  Svenson,  in  1887,  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  of  Ohio  Grove  was 
organized.  Mrs.  Amanda  Frykman  presided  as  president.  The  organi- 
zation was  very  incomplete,  but  it  was  an  organization  nevertheless.  At 
first  the  meetings  were  held  the  third  Friday  of  each  month,  refreshments 
were  served,  a  fee  of  10  cents  charged,  the  money  thus  secured  to  go  to 
the  general  church  treasury.  The  day  of  meeting  was  later  changed 
from  Friday  to  Thursday.  At  first  quite  a  little  sewing  and  work  was 
done,  but  after  a  little  while  this  was  abandoned  altogether.  The  Rev. 
M.  Frykman  served  as  treasurer  for  the  organization  for  twenty-two 
years.  Of  the  ladies  who  organized  the  society  only  four  remain  among 
us  still,  namely:  Mrs.  Goran  Johnson,  Mrs.  Anna  Svenson,  Mrs.  Mary 
Larson,  Mrs.  Charlotta  Anderson.  The  first  two  are  still  residents  of 
Ohio  Grove,  Mrs.  Larson  iiving  in  Sycamore  and  Mrs.  Anderson  re- 
siding in  St.  Charles.  In  1909  Dr.  Albert  Okerstrom  became  the  pastor 
of  the  local  congregation  and  so  also  the  leader  of  this  society.  At  this 
juncture  in  its  history  a  complete  organization  was  inaugurated,  a  serce- 
tarv  elected,  also  a  treasurer,  a  member  of  the  society  to  fill  the  office  of 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  5I 

treasurer,  members  to  pay  the  stipulated  fee  whether  present  or  not. 
Proper  reports  were  to  be  rendered  at  the  end  of  the  year  for  submission 
to  examination  by  the  church  board  of  audit.  There  are  at  the  present 
time  twenty-five  members  enrolled.  This  society  has  been  very  suc- 
cessful and  has  done  a  lot  of  good,  its  members  devoted  to  the  Master's 
cause.    The  following  are  members : 

Mrs.  Carl  E.  Anderson  Mrs.  Carl  Kallman 

Mrs.  P.  A.  Anderson  Mrs.  Edward   Lydig. 

Mrs.  Frank  Blade  Mrs.  Fred  Larson 

Mrs.  Henry  Carlson  Mrs.  Henning  Magnusson 

Mrs.  Fred  Carlson  Mrs.  John  Norlin 

Mrs.  Magni  Carlson  Mrs.  C.  A.  Noreen 

Mrs.  Ed  Carlson  Mrs.  Chas.  Nelson 

Mrs.  Louise  Castenson  Mrs.  Chas.  Olson 

Mrs.  Gunnar  Elvert  Mrs.  J.  A.  Peterson 

Mrs.  John  A.  Johnson  Mrs.  Ernest  Peterson 

Mrs.  Sigfred  Johnson  Mrs.  Reuben  Peterson 

Mrs.  Geo.  Johnson  Mrs.  Carl  Swanson 


THE  SALEM  W.  H.  AND  F.  M.  SOCIETY 

BY   MRS.   A.   OKERSTROM 

A  Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  was  organized  in 
Sycamore,  February  21,  1919.  A  number  of  annual  and  life  members 
had  been  secured  before  this  time,  but  a  need  was  felt  for  an  organization 
whereby  the  work  for  missions  would  become  more  effective.  Upon 
invitation  of  Mrs.  J.  L.  Erickson,  Mrs.  Wm.  Gustafson  and  Mrs. 
Augusta  Wellander,  the  women  of  the  church  were  asked  to  meet  at  the 
home  of  Mrs.  J.  L.  Erickson.  A  large  number  of  women  responded, 
and  it  was  decided  to  organize  as  a  part  of  the  district,  conference  and 
synodical  W.  H.  and  F.  M.  Society,  meetings  to  be  held  quarterly.  The 
following  officers  were  elected:  President,  Mrs.  Albert  Okerstrom ;  Vice 
President,  Mrs.  Uno  Anderson ;  Secretary,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Nelson  ;  Treas- 
urer, Mrs.  C.  Aug.  Swanson. 

Besides  the  annual  dues  of  fifty  cents,  it  was  decided  to  have  an  offer- 
ing at  each  meeting,  to  apply  on  the  special  objects  for  which  the  society 
is  working.  Valuable  missionary  programs  have  been  given  at  each 
meeting.  The  society  now  numbers  sixty-one  annual  and  twenty-one 
life  members. 


/ 


s 


y. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  53 

It  has  already  been  shown  that  the  more  our  women  stop  to  study 
and  realize  the  needs  of  missions,  both  foreign  and  home,  the  greater  is 
their  willingness  to  give  and  work  for  them.  And  what  nobler  object 
is  there  for  our  service  than  to  help  spread  the  blessed  Gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ,  through  whom  alone  we  have  peace  on  earth  and  life  everlasting! 
God  grant  that  every  woman  in  our  church  may  join  this  organization 
and  thus  become  actively  engaged  in  furthering  its  big  program  of  world 
saving  service. 

"And  this  commandment  have  we  from  him,  that  he  who  loveth  God 
love  his  neighbor  also."     I  John  4:21. 


THE  DORCAS  SOCIETY 

BY  MRS.  J.  L.  ERICKSON 

The  Dorcas  Society  was  organized  March  21,  1906.  As  its  members 
were  living  widely  scattered  in  different  parts  of  the  city,  it  was  decided 
to  organize  the  society  into  four  distinct  divisions,  yet  working  in  har- 
mony and  for  a  common  purpose.  The  object  of  the  organization  of 
this  society  was  the  result  of  a  long  felt  need  for  some  organized  effort 
in  behalf  of  works  of  charity.  The  society  has  ever  since  its  organization 
kept  this  object  in  view.  It  meets  monthly  in  the  various  homes  of  its 
members,  generally  on  the  last  Wednesday  afternoon  of  each  month  in 
the  year.  These  meetings  gather  money  for  charity  and  especially  for  the 
orphanages  of  the  Illinois  Conference  located  in  Andover  and  in  Joliet, 
111.  A  great  deal  of  interest  has  constantly  characterized  this  society. 
The  ladies  constituting  its  membership  are  women  who  love  to  do  good. 
They  realize  more  and  more  the  truth  of  the  words  of  Christ  when 
He  said:  "What  ye  have  done  unto  one  of  these  little  ones,  who  believe 
in  me,  ye  have  also  done  it  unto  me."  God  has  abundantly  blessed  the 
work  of  this  society  and  has  shown  it  plainly  that  it  meets  with  divine 
approval.     The  following  are  members : 

Mrs.  Uno  T.  Anderson  Mrs.  J.  P.  Johnson 

Mrs.   Ed.  Carlson  Mrs.  Oscar  Johnson 

Mrs.  Henry  Carlson  Mrs.  Charles  Lindsten 

Mrs.  Fred  Carlson  Mrs.  Ed.  Lydig 

Mrs.  Albert  Carlson  Mrs.  Peter  Lindgren 

Mrs.  David  Chapman  Mrs.  Hokan  Larson 

Mrs.  C.  O.  Johnson  Mrs.  Gust.  Nelson 


: 
i 


H 

a 

o 
o 

CO 


o 

o 


Oh 

a 
o 

3 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


57 


Mrs. 

J.  M.  Nelson 

Mrs. 

J.  M.  Quist 

Mrs. 

O.  E.  Peterson 

Mrs. 

A.  Stromberg 

Mrs. 

Gust.   Peterson 

Mrs. 

John  Erickson 

Mrs. 

Sam  Quist 

Mrs. 

Emil  Fant 

Mrs. 

A.  Quarnstrom 

Mrs. 

Emil  Roos 

Mrs. 

Gust  Swanson 

Mrs. 

Eva  Swanson 

Mrs. 

Ed  Swanson 

Mrs. 

Chas.  Swanson 

Mrs. 

A.  F.  Swanson 

Mrs. 

Peter  Wing 

Mrs. 

Hokan  Carlson 

Mrs. 

Andrew  Jacobson 

Mrs. 

E.  P.  Doyle 

Mrs. 

Gust  Johnson 

Mrs. 

Frank  Ericson 

Mrs. 

Will  Gustafson 

Mrs. 

A.   Hedlund 

Mrs. 

C.  P.  Wellander 

Mrs. 

P.  Husberg 

Mrs. 

Emil  Nelson 

Mrs. 

S.  M.  Linden 

Mrs. 

Oscar  Stroberg 

Mrs. 

H.  F.  Nachtigall 

Mrs. 

Otto  Lindberg 

Mrs. 

Ingrid  Oberg 

Mrs. 

John  Lindquist 

Mrs. 

S.  H.  Olson 

Mrs. 

Aron   Johnson 

Mrs. 

C.  A.  Peterson 

Mrs. 

Will  Eklund 

Mrs. 

J.  A.  Peterson 

THE  FIDELIS  SOCIETY 


BY  MISS  HELEN  ABERG 


A  junior  missionary  society  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  19 15  with  an 
enrollment  of  sixteen  girls.  The  pastor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Albert  Okerstrom, 
named  the  society  Fidelis,  for  he  felt  sure  that  these  girls  would  prove 
to  be  faithful  workers.  The  Fidelis  now  has  an  enrollment  of  twenty 
girls.  It  has  become  an  annual  member  society  of  the  W.  H.  and  F.  M. 
Society,  the  only  missionary  band  in  the  conference  started  as  juniors. 

Mrs.  A.  Okerstrom  was  its  first  president.  She  guided  the  girls 
through  a  year's  activities  in  such  a  manner  that  an  interest  was  awak- 
ened which  has  never  died  out.  It  has  been  the  aim  of  the  society  to 
choose  new  officers  each  year,  in  order  that  every  girl  in  the  society  might 
realize  the  value  of  the  work  and  concern  herself  more  individually  in 
the  cause.  The  officers  for  the  year  1920  are  as  follows:  President, 
Helen  Aberg ;  Vice  President,  Abbie  Quarnstrom ;  Treasurer,  Helen 
Stroberg;  Secretary,  Helen  Peterson. 

During  the  four  years  of  the  society's  activities  it  has  made  numerous 
donations  to  both  home  and  foreign  missions.     The  Fidelis  Society  holds 


:    L    Z 
-  z  t 

z         * 


~-r± 


-  - 


1 1 


t/  ^  _- 


1  .-         L. 


-    ; 


-  - 

Z  3  J 


•  1 

a    .' 

PF 

*— 

1 

4^ 

>«B*qfe . .   .    : 

* 

* 

^ *     A        ' 7 

tl       E        >S9  ■sari 

* 

mk*f 

V  A  !          **> 

./       xSIRt^^^^B.  •^iSS^t^j 

J           *J 

I 

«** 

< 

-3 

^^^^^_ 

id 

I* 

E-i 

S 
O 
O 
CO 

>l 

O 

So 

CO 


o 

«— < 

iz, 

£> 

>-9 


60  SALEM  CONGREGATION 

one  meeting  ever)   month,  at  which  time  missionarj   programs  are  car- 
ried out. 

Surel)  inir  "faithful  workers"  should  be  thankful  to  God  tor  His 
guidance  in  their  work.  Ma)  the  Fidelis  Societ)  live  on  to  be  an  aid 
in  the  evangelization  <>t  the  world  in  this  generation.  Ma)  it-  members 
not  forget  the  Bible  quotation  found  in  the  Gospel  "t  Luke,  chap.  f>:  $8, 
I  rive  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  you;  good  measure,  pressed  down  and 
shaken  together,  and  running  over,  shall  men  ■j.wv  into  your  bosom." 


JUNIOR  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

A  Junior  missionar)  societ)  was  organized  in  Sycamore,  for  the  first 
time,  a  little  over  five  years  ago.  Most  of  those  present  at  this  organiza- 
tion meeting  are  now  annual  adult  members.  The  present  members  of 
this  societ)  have  been  enrolled  since  October,  [918.  At  present  the 
soi  iety  numbers  forty  children.  Our  aim  is  to  enlist  ever)  Sunday-school 
child.  The  societ\  has  monthly  meetings.  The  mission  studies  for  these 
meetings  are  particularly  adapted  to  children.  To  the  children  thus 
trained  from  their  youth  to  learn  Christ's  commands  and  to  help  fulfill 
them,  we  are  confident  we  can  look  tor  workers  in  the  future.  The  zeal 
manifested  by  these  young  workers  may  well  he  an  inspiration  to  all  of 
us.  May  God  hless  their  efforts,  and  help  keep  them  true  and  steadfast 
thruout  their  live-! 


THE  SALEM  MEN'S  SOCIETY 

This  society  was  organized  in  1918.  Its  membership  lias  never  been 
very  larLre.  but  the  organization  has  accomplished  a  ^reat  deal  of  good 
in  the  church.  Its  organization  was  the  result  of  a  long  felt  need  for 
such  an  organization.  It  has  held  its  meetings  in  the  evening  of  the 
■ltd  Thursdaj  ever)  month.  Its  programs  have  been  principally  ot 
a  literatry  nature.  Some  evenings  have  been  devoted  to  the  discussion 
of  current  events  in  the  state  and  nation,  besides  the  problems  of  the 
local  church  and  also  of  the  church  in  general.  It  has  also  a  social 
feature,  as  refreshments  are  regularl)  served  at  its  meetings  by  some  of 
its  members.      The  monev    gathered  at  these  meetings  are  used   for  pur- 


H 

H 

1—1 

O 

o 

CO 


9 

s 

w 

CO 


02 


5  //./  1/  CONGREGATION 


poses  both  at  home  and  in  other  places  where  the  needs,  of  one  nature 
nr  another,  are  most  pressing.  At  preseni  the  pastor  is  president,  Mr. 
G.  H.  Carlson  serves  as  vice  president  and  organist,  Mr.  J.  M.  Quist 
i-  secretary  and  Mr.  Gust  Swanson,  treasurer.  Besides  these  officers, 
there  arc  two  committees,  \i/..  a  program  committee  and  a  committee 
on  social  matters.  The  men  of  the  church  seem  to  take  a  real  inte 
in  the  organization  now.  but  it  has  taken  some  perseverance  to  bring 
about  this  intercut  in  this  new  organization.  There  is  a  need  among 
us  for  this  society,  and  we  do  believe  that  it  will  flourish  in  the  wars 
to  come.       1  he  present  members  are: 


I  no    I  .   Anderson 

Frank   Bexell 
Peter  Bellehdorf 
John  A.  Bruce 

ilakan  Carlson 

I I  en  i  \   M.  Carlson 
Ham    Carlson 
Albert   Carlson 

Ed  CarUon 
G.    H.  CarUon 
Andrew    Elmberg 
(  reorge   Floir 
V  P.  Husberg 

J.    P.  Johnson 
Arthur  Johnson 
( Just.  Lindstrom 
Ed.  Lydig 


J.   M.   Nelson 
( rustaf  Nelson 
( i.  E.  Nelson 
Albert  <  )kerstrom 

Sw  an  (  )lson 
.Andrew     Peterson 
J.    A.    Peterson 
<  ).   E.    Peters,,n 
Ernest   Peterson 
Emil    Peterson 

Martin  Rasmussen 
Adolf  Quarnstrom 
J.  M.  Quist 
II.  I..  Sandholm 
( Just.  Swanson 
Axel  Stroberg 


INK  JUBILEE  CHORl  - 

This  organization  was  effected  in  i « > i S  in  anticipation  of  the  jubilee 
festivities  in  1920.  The  chorus  has  faithfully  practiced  during  some 
rime.  It  has  rendered  a  great  service  to  the  church  already.  It  has 
faith  full)  adhered  to  its  motto  of  service  to  its  beloved  church.  H\  its 
participation  in  the  ordinal")  services  of  the  church  it  has  added  much 
to  the  beaut)  of  our  divine  services  ever)  Sunday.  It  has  been  and  is 
ot  immense  value  in  leading  the  congregational  singing,  and  in  the  ren- 
dition of  appropriate  and  beautiful  hymns  at  the  morning  services  espe- 
cially.  Mis.  Emil  CarUon,  a  daughter  ot  one  of  the  pioneer  members 
of  this  church,  Mr.  John  Johnson,  is  the  leader  ot  this  chorus. 


o  k  si 


5   fc 


« g  1  « 

S   c  ja  s 

W     O    +»  ja 

J       M      -  J 

3    S   I  K 
SO., 

b  H    B  g 

W    §  ji  o 

H     .  o  £ 

^  Ed 

5  =  ^ 


O    <   O 

a  S   o 

J  S  I' 


■2  -°    c 


e-i    ^-,    •*. 


"4 


S  //  /  1/  CONGRl  GATION 


Some  of  the  Former  and  Present  Members 


MRS     G.    S'ELSOX, 


MRS    l-i  I  I  R    Bl  LLEXDORF,    ■  1 


MRS     WW    LIXDSTROM. 


MIJS      \     1      SWAXSOX. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


65 


HAKAN    BENSON,    tl900. 


MRS.   ELNA   BENSON. 


JOHN    S\  I'.NSOX,    7190.5. 


MRS.   JOHN  8VENSON. 


>//  EM  CONGREGATION 


MlfS.   I  If  \\k   I.lih  >.u\ 


Mi:    PRANK   i:i:n  SOX,    :  1911. 


MRS    '■!  STAi  \  \    I. II  l  \.    I  1903 


MRS    M  LS   I  IM-. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


67 


MRS.  AND  MR.   GUSTAF  NELSON. 


MRS.    ANNA    ANDERSON. 


MR.  JOHN  SVEXSON. 


MRS.   JOHN   SVENSON,   fl904. 


SALEM  CONGREGATION 


^ 

Wv 

^^' 

i 

. 

h 

"^ 

Ml{.    i    MM.    1U.WK 


MRS.   <    MM.    I«l.  Wl\. 


MR.     \  \KI.    t'ASTI 


MRS     \\l  I.  '    Wl  SSOX,    !  1919. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


69 


MRS.    MARIA    PETERSON. 


MR.  CHAS.  PETERSON.   fl906. 


MRS.  O.  V.  GRONBERG, 


MR.   G.   V*.   GRONBERG. 


7o 


SALEM  CONGRl  G  1 1 1<>\ 


Ml!    GUSTAF   KANT.    M!»1v  MRS.   .luiiww    PANT,  tl»17. 


ttRS    STINA   BTROBERQ,    U»10.  Mlt.  JOHN  STR5BERG. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


7i 


MR.   AND  MRS.  B.  A.  WELANDER. 


Ml!.    ANDERS    DAVID   JOHNSON,    vinui. 
MRS.    LENA    KAJSA   JOHNSON.    tl904. 


S  //  I  M  CONGREGATION 


mi:     \    c     >\  i  i. i;i  i:<. 


MKS      \     I      S\  I  I'l'.l  Rfi 


Mi;      \      I       BLADSTRttM.     H887 


Ml:>     I    Mini. |\  \    BLADS1 'RUM      \  L90i 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


73 


MRS.   NELS   NELSON. 


MR.  NELS  NELSON. 


MRS.   G.    BOLEEN,   fl891. 


MR,  G.  BOLEEN,   tl91f>. 


74 


SALEM  CONGREGATION 


Mi;   I  OXB  \n   PETERSON       •  1918. 


OUR  GOLD  STAR  BOYS 


THE  following  names,  so  dear  to  us  all,  are  marked  on  our  Service 
Flag  with  a  Gold  Star :  First  Private  Herbert  Quarnstrom,  Lieu- 
tenant Geo.  P.  Gustafson,  Private  Axel  Nelson.  Mr.  Quarn- 
strom died  at  Camp  Dodge,  Lieut.  Gustafson  and  Private  Nelson  in 
France.  The  following  tributes  were  read  by  the  pastor,  the  first  one 
at  the  funeral  of  Quarnstrom,  and  the  second  and  third  at  the  memorial 
services  of  Gustafson  and  of  Nelson  respectively. 

I. 
MR.  AUGUST  HERBERT  QUARNSTROM 

died  at  Camp  Dodge,  Iowa,  from  pneumonia,  on  April  8,  1918.  Mr. 
Quarnstrom  was  22  years,  1  month  and  30  days  old  at  the  time  of  his 
death.  He  was  born  in  Sycamore,  111.,  on  February  9,  1896.  He  was 
baptized  in  this  church  as  a  child  on  March  8,  1896.  After  several 
months  instruction  in  the  principles  of  Christianity  he  was  confirmed  in 
this  church  with  the  class  of  1910.  He  graduated  from  our  High  School 
in  the  spring  of  19 15,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  matriculated 
as  a  student  at  the  Wesleyan  College,  Bloomington,  111.  He  studied  at 
this  institution  for  two  years,  or  until  he  was  drafted  into  the  service 
of  his  country  and  sent  to  Camp  Dodge  for  military  training  in  the  fall 
of  19 1 7.  Sorrowing  at  his  bier  are  the  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adolf 
Quarnstrom  ;  Carl  Quarnstrom,  a  brother,  who  has  seen  service  in  the  U. 
S.Navy  for  many  years  and  is  at  the  present  time  serving  on  the  battle- 


SALEM  CONGREGA  ll<>\ 


ship  South  Dakota.  Besides  Car] 
there  are  two  more  brothers, 
R03  and  Arthur  Quarnstrom, 
and  one  sister,  Abbie  Quarn- 
strom. Besides  these  there  is  ;i 
large  i  in  Le  of  friends  and  ac- 
quaintances, who  mourn  the  loss 
lit     this     splendid     young     man. 

Mr.  Quarnstrom  was  secretarj 
Mt  our  Sunday-school  for  many 
years;  he  was  a  member  of  our 
Luther  League.  [The  funeral 
was  held  from  the  home  and 
our  church  Tuesday,  April   n. 

I'jiN.  This  was  the  largest  fu- 
neral ever  held  in  our  church. 
The  floral  tributes  were  main 
and  beautiful.  (  )ur  entire  com- 
munity came  out  to  honor  the 
memorj    of  its  first  sacrifice  in 

the   present    conflict.      The    representative   of    Herbert's   compam    at   the 

funeral   paid  a  beautiful   tribute  to  his  memory.] 

Ma\    the  memorj   oi    Herbert  Quarnstrom's  beautiful  life  live  long 

anion::  us ! 


FIRST  I ' I : I \  \i  i:  BERBERT  Ql   IRNSTROM. 
1 1  ■  !  ;>t  ( lamp  1 1 


II. 

LIEUT.  GE(  >RGE  P.  GUSTAFSi  )\ 

I  his  country  is  a  party  in  the  great  world-drama  which  is  now  being 
enacted  on  European  soil.  (  me  of  the  most  distinguishing  characteristics 
of  its  people  is  their  intensive  love  of  freedom  and  civic  righteousness. 

(  )ur  high  ideals  of  life,  of  national  and  international  justice  have  been 
violated  and  utterlj  disregarded  bj  our  toes.  Our  aims  at  present  can 
be  nothing  higher  than  to  maintain  and  defend  these  principles  of  ri^ht. 
To  accomplish  this  purpose  means  sacrifice.  I  he  cost  must  be  enormous. 
1  do  not  mean  the  billions  of  nmne\  necessary,  but  human  lives,  the  death 
upon  the  nation's  sacrificial  altar  of  a  great  number  of  our  stalwart. 
brave  and  noble  young  men.  the  flower  of  our  manhood.  I  realize  that 
teats,  agon]  and  sorrow  will  darken  homes  in  nearl\  every  village  and 
hamlet   in  our   land.      Hut   this  common   sacrifice  will   tend   to   unite  the 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


various  elements  of  which  our  nation  is  made  up,  like  a  tapestry  weave, 
into  one  mighty  people,  more  than  anything  else  could  possibly  do. 

Three  months  ago  this  community  assembled  in  this  sanctuary  to  pay 
its  tribute  of  honor  and  respect  to  the  memory  of  First  Private  Herbert 
Quarnstrom,  who  died  at  Camp  Dodge  while  in  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try. To-day  we  are  again  gath- 
ered here  for  a  similar  purpose. 
We  can  see  no  casket,  nor  any 
grave.  These  are  yonder  in 
France.  The  casket  over  there 
contains  the  earthly  remains  of 
Lieut.  George  Philip  Gustafson, 
one  of  our  brave  Sycamore  lads. 
France  becomes  dearer,  comes 
closer  to  us,  as  the  war  goes  on, 
and  because  so  many  of  our  boys 
are  laid  to  rest  in  her  bosom. 
Some  day  the  cemeteries  over 
there  will  become  a  hallowed 
Mecca  to  us  Americans.  As  I 
am  about  to  sketch  in  a  few 
words  the  life  of  our  departed 
hero,  I  feel  that  this  death  is  a 
personal  loss.  No  one,  how- 
ever, can  feel  the  loss  so  deeply 
as  those  who  have  been  called 
upon  for  so  costly  a  sacrifice. 
Yet  this  community  would  share 
with  them  the  burden  of  this 
heavy  cross. 

Lieutenant  Gustafson's  life 
was  not  in  vain.  He  did  more 
in  a  few  short  years  than  many 
of   us   can   accomplish   crowned 

with  years  and  agey  white.  His  death  while  performing  life's  highest 
and  noblest  duty  should  stimulate  us  all  the  more  to  do  our  bit  in  de- 
stroying the  most  detestable  tyranny  of  our  age.  There  can  be  no  peace 
until  this  is  accomplished.  Our  sacrifices  are  too  great  to  be  satisfied 
with  anything  less  than  a  complete  victory. 


LIEUT.    GEO.    P.    GUSTAFSON. 
Died  on  the  battlefield  in  France. 


;S  s.n  /  1/  C0NGR1  G  1 1 1<>\ 

Lieutenant  Gustafson  was  born  in  Chicago,  December  8,  1894.  He 
w.i>  onl)  a  boj  when  he  tame  to  Sycamore  with  his  parents.  He  attended 
our  public  schools  and  the  Sunday-school  <>t  this  church.  He  was  con- 
firmed in  this  church  with  the  ilass  (,t  [908.  He  was  an  active  member 
of  our  Luther  League  and  a  member  of  the  church  at  tin-  time  of  his 
death.     He  graduated  from  our  local  high  school  in  \>>\2.     In  the  tall 

of  the  same  \rar  lie  matriculated  in   Illinois  State   l"niversit\    at   Urhana. 

111.,   from  which   institution  he  graduated  in    [916.     In    i')i  7  he  was 
admitted  to  the  First  Officers'  Reserve  Corps  at  Fort  Sheridan,  passed 

his   examinations   anil    in    August   of   the   same   year   was   commissioned    I 

second  Lieutenant.    He  was  soon  assigned  to  active  dut)  across  the  waters. 
He  has  ever  since  been  at  the  front. 

He  was  a  courageous  lad  and  feared  nothing.  Though  still  young, 
onl]  a  little  past  23  years  old,  he  had  a  clear  and  vivid  conception  of  the 
great  questions  involved  in  the  present  struggle.  Lieutenant  Gustafson 
had  a  great  host  of  friends  who,  besides  the  parents.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Will 
Gustafson,  two  brothers  and  a  sister,  mourn  his  early  departure.  Here 
I  wish  to  read  to  you  two  recent  communications — one  from  Col.  H.  A. 
Smith  and  the  other  from    Major  Theodore  Roosevelt: 

26th  Infantry,  France,  June  16,  1918. 
Mr.  William  Gustafson,  <h  s  West  State  Street,  Sycamore,  111. 

M\  Pear  Mr.  Gustafson:  I  wish  to  express  m\  sympathy  to  you  in 
the  loss  of  your  son.  Lieut.  George  I'.  Gustafson,  who  died  June  4.  1918, 
as  a  result  of  a  recent  gas  attack  by  the  enemy. 

He  is  buried  in  a  French  military  cemeterj  at  Chempuis,  France.    His 

death  is  lamented  by  officers  and   men  of  the  regiment. 

Lieut.  Gustafson's  services  have  been  loyal  and  efficient.     He  led  his 

troops  fearlessh    until  disabled.     A  soldier  asks  no  more. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  may  he  of  some  consolation  to  you  in  your  loss. 

H.  A.  Smith.  Colonel  26th  Infantry. 

Onlv  yesterdaj  the  mother  oi  Lieut.  Gustafson  received  the  following 
letter  from  the  major  of  her  son's  battalion,  Theodore  Roosevelt  II.  son 

of  a  former  president  of  the  United  Srates: 

June    10.    1'iiS. 

I  tear  .^  I  rs.  Gustafson  : 

Word  has  just  reached  me  to-dav  of  the  death  of  your  son,  and  I 
want  to  write  you  about  him  as  I  have  known  him.  He  served  in  mv 
battalion    in   my   brother's  company,   and    not  only   won   our   respect   hut 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  79 

our  affection  through  his  courage  and  fineness  of  disposition.  He  showed 
marked  ability  as  a  leader  of  men.  The  day  my  brother  was  wounded 
his  courage  and  coolness  under  very  trying  circumstances  were  particu- 
larly marked.  I  was  recommending  him  for  promotion — not  the  pro- 
motion obtained  by  men  in  the  United  States,  which  means  nothing,  but 
the  promotion  earned  by  a  man  leading  in  battle.  I  have  two  small  sons 
and  would  be  indeed  proud  if  they  lived  the  life  and  died  the  death  of 
your  son.  Yours  very  truly, 

Major  Theo.  Roosevelt. 

Lieut.  Gustafson  would  have  been  successful  in  civil  life.  His  future 
seemed  assured.  It  was  my  privilege  to  speak  with  him  a  few  days 
before  his  departure  to  France.  He  was  all  enthusiasm  for  his  country. 
There  are  higher  duties,  he  said,  than  merely  to  self.  The  nation's  need 
must  be  ahead  of  personal  comforts  and  desires. 

He  gave  his  best  to  the  country  he  loved  so  well.  May  this  death  fire 
our  souls  to  a  supreme  effort  in  carrying  on  this  war  to  a  successful  issue. 
To  accomplish  this  end,  I  fear  that  many  services  like  this  will  be  held 
in  our  churches,  but  death  is  far  better  than  slavery.  Let  me  conclude 
by  reading  to  you  two  short  poems,  one  entitled,  "In  Flanders  Fields," 
and  the  other,  "America's  Answer,"  the  first  one  written  by  one  who 
died  in  Flanders. 

In  Flanders  Fields. 

By  Lieut. -Col.  John  McRae,  who  'died  while  on  duty  in  Flanders. 

In  Flanders  fields  the  poppies  blow 
Between  the  crosses,  row  on  row, 
That  mark  our  place ;  and  in  the  sky 
The  larks,  still  bravely  singing,  fly, 
Scarce  heard  amidst  the  guns  below, 
We  are  the  dead.     Short  days  ago 
We  lived,  felt  dawn,  saw  sunset  glow, 
Loved  and  were  loved,  and  now  we  lie 
In  Flanders  fields. 

Take  up  our  quarrels  with  the  foe! 
To  you  from  falling  hands,  we  throw 
The  torch.     Be  yours  to  hold  it  high ! 
If  ye  break  faith  with  us  who  die 
We  shall  not  sleep,  though  poppies  grow 
In  Flanders  fields. 


Bo 


S  //./  1/  CONGRl  GATIOh 


Ami  kh  i's    \\s\\  i  k. 

By   K.  II.  Lillard. 

Rest  ye  in  peace,  ye  Flanders1  dead. 
The  (iL'hr  that  ye  ><>  bravelj  Led 
We've  taken  up.     And  we  will  keep 
True  faith  with  you  who  lie  asleep 

With  each  a  CTOSS  to  mark  his  bed, 

And  poppies  blowing  overhead, 
Where  once  his  own  life  blood  ran  red. 
So  let  your  rest  be  sweet  and  deep 
In  Flanders  fields. 

Fear  not  that  ye  have  died  tor  naught, 
1  he  torch  ye  threw  to  us  we  caught, 
Ten  million  hands  will  hold  it  high, 
And  Freedom's  light  shall  never  die! 
We've  learned  the  lesson  that  ye  taught 

In  Flanders  fields. 


—  Thi  Evening  Post,  New  York. 


III. 

AXEL  NELSON 

was  horn  in  Cortland,  De  Kalh  county,  111..  December  27.   1890,  and 
was  baptized  Februarj    13,  iS«h.     He  was  continued  in  this  church  on 

June  /!,  im<>6,  and  has  ever  since  remained 
a  member.  He  loved  his  home  and  seldom 
ventured  on  an)  extended  journeys  until  he 
was  called  into  the  service.  As  a  child  he 
attended  the  public  schools  in  Cortland. 

When  called  to  service  b)  his  country,  this 
stalwart  young  man  had  no  excuses.  He 
knew  the  dangers  confronting  him,  hut  he 
aKo  knew  how  the  hitter  waters  might  he 
sweetened.  He.  no  douht.  did  as  another  of 
our  boys  w  rites:  "I  filled  my  heart  with  pray- 
ers and  my  rifle  with  shells  and  went  over 
the  top." 

When  Mr.  Nelson  visited  his  son  at  Camp 

Grant,  an  officer  said  to  him:  "Are  you  Axel 
run  \l  1.    wi.i.   NELSON, 

Died  on  the  battlefield  in  Franc.        Nelson's    father.''"      I  pon    receiving   an   affir- 


^L-'B| 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


81 


mative  answer,  he  said:  "Mr.  Nelson,  you  ought  to  be  proud  of  such 
a  son  as  that." 

Axel  Nelson  went  to  Camp  Grant  in  September,  191 7.  He  was 
transferred  to  Camp  Logan,  Houston,  Texas,  and  assigned  to  Co.  H, 
130th  Infantry,  and  in  May  went  with  that  company  to  France.  He 
had  been  at  the  front  most  of  the  time  since  his  arrival  in  France.  He 
was  killed  in  action  on  November  10,  191 8,  27  years,  10  months  and  14 
days  old.  His  body  has  been  laid  to  rest  in  French  soil,  and  on  his  grave 
the  little  cross  bears  his  name,  company,  regiment  and  these  words: 
"Rest  in  peace." 

Sorrowing  at  this  soldier's  death  are  the  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C. 
M.  Nelson,  a  brother  and  sister,  both  younger  than  Axel,  besides  other 
relatives  and  a  host  of  friends.  One  of  his  comrades  from  Sycamore, 
Lawrence  Nelson,  says  in  one  of  his  letters  home:  "Axel's  death  was 
instantaneous.  I  saw  him  fall.  Everybody  in  the  company  liked  him." 
He  concludes  by  saying:  "He  was  certainly  a  fine  fellow." 

Mr.  Nelson  and  family,  you  have  made  a  sacrifice  acceptable  to  your 
country  and  to  God. 


OUR  SOLDIER  BOYS 


Rudolph  Anderson 
Roy  Ahlstrom 
Fred  Bexell 
Geo.  Bodeen 
Geo.  Boleen 
Then.  Dahlquist 
Carl  Eklund 
Edwin  Fant 
Reuben  Freed 
Edward  Freed 
Leonard  Gustafson 
Geo.  Gustafson 
Roy  Gustafson 
Rudolph  Junell 
Bert  Johnson 
Alvin  Johnson 
Albert  Johnson 
Arthur  Johnson 
C.  Martin  Johnson 
Victor  Johnson 


Clarence  Johnson 
Martin  Johnson 
William  Lindstrom 
Emil  Lindstrom 
Elmer  Lindgren 
Walter  Lanegren 
John  Larson 
Carl  Lundstrom 
Laurence  Nelson 
Axel  Nelson 
Henry  Nelson 
Arthur  Nelson 
Edward  Nelson 
Elof  Olson 
Flovd  Ohrlund 
Melvin  Palm 
Arthur  Palm 
Louis  Palm 
Rnv  Peterson 
Elmer  Peterson 


Sj 


I  [erberl  Quarnstrom 
Carl  Quarnstrom 
Roj   Quarnstrom 
Leonard  Quist 
Bert  Quist 
Walter  Roos 
Benjamin  Sallberg 
Frank  Sandholm 


SALEM  CONGR1  G  1 1 1<>\ 

\  ernie  Stroml  i 
i  I   rold  Svi  (  dhtT^r 
I  .       5m  anson 

•  i  id  Sm  anson 
John  NVahlberg 
Elmer  Westberg 
Roj   Wing 
C'arl  Swanson 


Raj   St  ml" 
Some  nt  the  above  young  men  belong  at  present  to  other  Lutheran 
churches,  but  most  of  them  -till  remain  members  of  this  church. 


(  )l  R  RETURNED  S<  >LDIER  BCH  S 

( )ut  (>t  the  great  number  of  soldiers  from  this  church  all  have  returned 
except  First  Private  Herbert  Quarnstrom,  Lieut.  Geo.  1'.  Gustafson 
and  Private  Axe]  Nelson.  Fur  those  who  have  returned,  a  splendid 
reception  was  given  in  their  honor  on  New  Year's  eve.,  i'»2<\  by  the 
Church  Board  in  conjunction  with  <>ur  Luther  League.  A  splendid 
supper  was  served  to  the  soldiers  and  their  nearest  kin.  together  with  a 
great  number  of  friends  and  members  of  the  church  in  general.  An 
exceedingrj  interesting  program  was  also  earned  out.  I  here  was  great 
joy  in  Salem.  God  be  praised  for  the  return  of  these  our  brave  boys! 
M  i\  He  console  those  whose  dear  ones  were  left  to  make  the  supreme 
sacrifice!  Thej  did  their  highest  patriotic  duty.  They  died  for  their 
country. 


FORMER  PASTORS  IN  SYCAMORE 


THE  REV.  A.  HULT 

PASTOR  ANDERS  HULT  was  born  in  Fryksande  parish, 
Varmland,  Sweden,  October  24,  1833.  I"  his  younger  years  he 
tasted  the  bitter  experiences  of  poverty.  For  a  time  he  labored 
at  Vagfors'  factories  as  a  blacksmith.  The  boy  was,  however,  not  satis- 
fied with  this  employment.  He  craved  knowledge.  He  was  anxious 
to  get  away  to  school.  Some  time  after  his  conversion,  kind  and  inter- 
ested men  of  wealth  became  attached  to  this  young  man  and  helped  him 
with  necessary  means,  so  that  he  was  finally  admitted  to  the  Ahlberg's 
College.  He  served  later  and  for  a  number  of  years  as  private  tutor. 
For  a  time  he  conducted  a  small  school  of  his  own.  With  wife  and 
children  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  arrived  in  Boston,  Mass., 
on  October  5,  1868.  From  here  they  started  out  after  a  few  days  en 
route  for  Chicago,  arriving  here  about  October  9th.  He  almost  imme- 
diately proceeded  to  Paxton,  111.,  to  enter  the  Augustana  College  and 
Theological  Seminary,  which  at  that  time  was  located  at  Paxton.  The 
following  year  Hult  was  ordained  to  the  holy  ministry  at  Moline,  111., 
having  been  called  as  pastor  of  the  Sw.  Ev.  Luth.  Salem  church,  Chicago, 
111.  He  has  been  pastor  of  the  following  churches:  Salem,  Chicago, 
111.;  De  Kalb— Sycamore,  111.;  Sterling,  111.;  Elgin,  111.;  Campello, 
Boston,  Quincy,  North  Easton,  West  Bridgewater,  Mass. ;  Pontiac,  R. 
I.;  Lisbon  and  Grand  Rapids,  Mich.;  Scandia,  Minn.;  Trade  Lake, 
Wis. :  Harris,  Minn. 

Pastor  Hult  was  an  author  of  rank  in  our  church.     Let  me  mention 
some  of  his  productions:  Barnvannen,  ABC-boken,   Barnvannens  lyra, 


s4  SALEM  C0NGR1  G  1 I  n>\ 

Bibliska    historien,    Familjestjarnan,    Familjealtaret,    <  ha    aktenskapet, 
(  )in  dopet,  manga  predikningar,  etc 

Pastor  Huh  was  married  to  M  -  Charlotta  Wilhelmina  Hammar- 
strand  "t  Gothenburg,  Sweden.  This  union  was  blessed  with  five  chil- 
dren. Mrs.  Unit  died  in  Lisbon,  Mich.  Some  time  after  her  death, 
II  .It  was  again  married,  this  time  to  Miss  Mathilda  Jakobson.  A  tew 
years  ago  In-  retired  from  active  work  and  settled  down  in  Lindsborg, 
K  nsas.  He  died  in  Lindsborg,  Kansas,  <  October  27.  191  ,.  The  remains 
are  resting  in  the  beautiful  cemetery  in  Lindsborg,  Kansas. 


THE  REV.  V  \<  >RDGREN 

1  he  Rev.  N.  Nordgren  is  —rill  among  us.  He  is  the  onlv  one  of  the 
former  pastors  of  this  church  who  is  still  living.  A  biography  is  there- 
fore   not    a\;iilahlc.      The    following    items,    however,    may    properly    be 

inserted   here.       He    u  as    horn    in    Nyed,    Varmland,    Sweden,    December 
2<>,    [839.      He  came   to   the    United   States   in    1  SOS.      He   was  ordained 

ui  the  holy  ministry  at  the  synodical  meeting  held  in  Galesburg,  111., 
September  20.  1S72.  Rev.  Nordgren  was  verj  happily  married  and 
rnjoys  the  knowledge  that  a  number  of  children  given  to  him  in  this 
union  are  loyal  to  the  teachings  given  them  in  his  home.  For  man] 
years  he  served  congregations  within  our  denomination  with  distinction 
ind  success.  No  pastor  was  ever  more  loved  and  respected  in  Svcamore. 
The  old  minutes  of  the  business  meetings  of  this  church  indicate  this  fact 
very  clearly.  He  is  spending  his  life's  eventide  in  Moline,  111.  God 
grant  him  a  long  and  peaceful  eventide! 


NIL  RE\  .  SVEN  <  .1  STAF  LARSON 

Pastor  Sven  Gustaf  Larson  was  horn  in  Eds  parish.  Kalmer,  Sweden. 
Januar]  20,  [833.  His  parents  were  Lars  I. arson  and  his  wife,  Lisa 
Andersdotter.  Although  merely  a  boy,  he  was  verj  ambitious  and  loved 
to  read  and  stud]  whatever  hook  came  into  his  possession.  His  parents 
were  poor  and  were  unable  to  -end  him  aw  av  to  school.  He  studied. 
however,  privatelv  the  tew  hooks  he  could  borrow  and  thus  built  a 
foundation  tor  future  studies.  In  iN>>  he  came  to  realize  his  natural 
depravity   before   God.       \ffer   much    inward   conflict   he   saw    the   li^'ht 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  85 

that  shattered  the  darkness  in  his  soul  and  illuminated  the  Saviour  of 
man,  and  he  believed  in  His  atoning  merits  and  was  happy  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  God's  grace.  He  began  to  realize  also  the  condition  of  his 
fellow-men,  and  so  began  to  speak,  both  in  private  and  in  public,  of  the 
great  questions  that  were  uppermost  in  his  heart.  He  studied  for  a  while 
at  Fjellstedtska  skolan  in  Stockholm,  Sweden,  but  only  for  a  compara- 
tively short  time.  In  1858  he  came  to  this  country.  Immediately  upon 
his  arrival  here  he  entered  the  Scandinavian  department  of  the  university 
at  Springfield,  111.  This  university  paid  some  attention  to  Scandi- 
navian students  and  employed  a  Swedish  professor  for  this  work.  When 
this  department  was  moved  to  Chicago,  he  went  to  Chicago.  He  com- 
pleted his  studies  here  and  was  ordained  at  Galesburg,  111.,  June  9,  186 1. 
His  first  charge  was  at  Burlington,  Iowa.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Johanna  Carolina  Lagerstrom  in  Galesburg,  111.,  November  17,  1861. 
This  union  was  blessed  with  nine  children,  four  boys  and  five  girls. 
Rev.  Larson  was  endowed  with  an  unusually  strong  physique.  He  was 
enthusiastic  in  his  work  and  very  conscientious  in  all  things,  and  avoided, 
as  far  as  he  was  able,  to  do  any  one  an  injustice.  He  was  always  an 
industrious  student  throughout  his  whole  life.  He  was  a  well  read  man 
on  almost  any  question  one  might  mention.  He  served  the  following 
churches  during  his  career  as  a  pastor:  Burlington,  Iowa.,  1861 — 1863; 
Knoxville,  Altona,  111.,  1863 — -1868;  home  missionary  in  Nebraska  and 
other  states,  Omaha,  three  years;  Sycamore,  111.,  1878 — 1885;  New 
Windsor,  111.,  1885— 1888;  Worcester,  Mass.,  1888— 1892;  Kansas 
City,  Mo.,  1892 — 1894;  Pueblo,  Colo.,  1894 — 1897;  Council  Bluffs, 
Iowa,  1897 — 1904. 

On  November  II,  1904,  he  died  in  childlike  faith  in  his  Redeemer, 
of  wrhom  he  had  so  often  with  enthusiasm  and  conviction  borne  testimony 
both  in  private  and  public  life.  The  remains  are  resting  in  the  cemetery 
at  Mead,  Nebraska. 


THE  REV.  M.  FRYKMAN 

This  name  is  familiar  to  everyone.  Rev.  Frykman  was  a  well  known 
citizen  here  for  many  years.  During  twenty-three  years  he  served  this 
church  as  its  faithful  pastor.  His  services  covered  nearly  half  of  the 
fifty  years  of  its  existence.  There  were  lacking  only  two  years  of  being 
twenty-five,  or  half  of  the  fifty  now  past.  Rev.  Frykman  was  born  in 
Sunne,  Varmland,  Sweden,  October  3,  1844.     He  studied  for  some  years 


86  S  //  /  1/  C0NGR1  G  I  n<>\ 

at  Ahlberg's  College  in  Sweden.  He  came  to  the  United  States  in  the 
tall  nt  1873  ami  matriculated  immediatel]  at  Augustana  College  and 
Theological  Seminary,  Paxton,  III.  After  finishing  hi*  theological  train- 
.  he  was  ordained  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  at  the  Synod's  meeting 
held  at  Vasa,  Minn.,  June.  iS;=;.  being  (.ailed  as  pastor  "t  the  Sw.  1 
l.uth.  church  at  Chariton,  Iowa.  He  served  the  Chariton  church  for 
five  years  and  moved  from  there  to  Peshtigo,  Wis.,  serving  in  turn  the 
following  churches:  Republic,  Marquette,  Michigamme,  Mich.;  Syca- 
more, Gibson  City,  III.  He  wa>  married  to  Miss  Amanda  Olson  i>n 
December  4.  1SS4.  This  union  was  blessed  with  twelve  children,  of 
whom  ten  are  living.  Frykman  was  not  a  man  who  tried  to  push  him- 
self forward.  In  spite  of  this  he  held  main  and  important  positions  of 
trust  and  responsibility  in  the  conferences  and  Synod.  He  served  for 
two  years  as  secretarj  of  the  Iowa  Conference,  secretarj  of  the  Illinois 
Conference  for  two  years,  president  of  the  Illinois  Conference  for  five 
years,  member  of  the  Mission  Hoard  and  Hoard  of  Charities  of  the  Iowa 
Conference,  member  of  the  Hoard  of  Directors  of  the  Augustana  Hos- 
pital. Chicago,  111.  Rev.  Frykman  died  in  Chicago,  111..  February  17. 
I'MM.  after  a  visit  to  Sycamore.  His  remains  are  laid  to  rest  in  the 
cemeterj  at  Gibson  Citj .  111. 


GREETINGS 


FROM  THE  REV.  FRED  WYMAN 

To  the  Salem  Ev.  Lulh.  Church,  Sycamore,  111. 

THIRTY-SEVEN  years  have  passed  since  I  was  confirmed  in 
your  church.  That  was  May  20,  1883,  a  memorable  day  never 
to  be  forgotten.  The  Bible  which  I  received  from  you  at  that 
time  I  am  still  using,  though  now  it  is  somewhat  age-worn  and  ragged 
from  constant  use.  The  old  and  venerable  pioneer  in  our  Christian 
work,  the  Rev.  S.  G.  Larson,  was  our  pastor.  He  is  resting  in  the 
Lutheran  Cemetery  in  Mead,  Neb.  I  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  him 
once  more  before  his  final  departure  from  this  life.  This  was  in  Mead, 
in  1904. 

You  did  not  have  such  a  beautiful  church  in  those  days  as  you  have 
now.  At  that  time  the  church  was  located  in  about  the  middle  of  the 
block  between  Park  avenue  and  Somonauk,  on  the  south  side  of  the 
street.  My  cousin,  Mr.  Malcomb  Anderson,  painted  the  first  altar 
painting  for  the  church.  It  represented  Christ  bearing  the  cross,  as 
painted  by  Gustaf  Dore.  The  organist  at  this  time  was  Miss  Augusta 
Engquist,  and  the  janitor  was  the  old  man  J.  A.  Pihl.  I  remember  well 
the  prayer  meetings  held  in  the  various  homes  at  this  time.  We  were 
not  ashamed  in  those  good  old  days  to  fall  down  upon  our  knees  to  pray. 
To-day  you  have  a  large  and  a  beautiful  church,  a  large  membership,  etc. 
We  hope  sincerely  that  you  also  have  grown  in  the  grace  and  knowledge 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Let  me  send  a  greeting  to  you  upon   this 


ss 


>.//  I  M  CONGREGATION 


grand  Jubilee  festivity,  and  especiall)   would  I  include  those  who  were 
confirmed  with  me  ;mil  who  are  -till  with  us. 

M  i\   the  grace  of  God  and  Hi-  blessings  rest  upon  you  as  ;i  church, 
upon  your  pastor  and  your  members  in  general! 

Fred  \\ ^  \i  \\. 


TIIK   Rl  \      I  RED    W  N  M  \\. 


THE    REV.    A.   T.    I   W  I 


FROM  THE  REV.  A.  T.  FANT 

"Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  /><  yi  stedfast,  immovable,  always 
abounding  in  tin  work  of  tin  Lord,  for  as  much  as  ye  know  that  your 
labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord."     i  Cor.  i  s :  58. 

In  extending  im  greetings  and  congratulations  to  the  church  of  m\ 
childhood.  I  know  of  no  other  Scripture  passage  that  so  fullj  expresses 
my  well-wishes  as  these  words  of  Paul.  You  have  as  a  church  continued 
steadfast  in  faith  and  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  during  hm 
years.  When  your  da\  is  ended  and  \otir  work  finished,  then  will  it  be 
gloriousl)    revealed   that  your  labor  has  not  heen   in   vain. 

A.    T.     I'   WT. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  89 

FROM  THE  REV.  N.  NORDGREN 

"Cry  aloud  and  shout,  thou  inhabitant  of  Zion:  for  great  is  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel  in  the  midst  of  thee."     Isaiah  12:  6. 

Only  the  children  of  Zion  have  a  real  cause  for  rejoicing  because  God 
dwelleth  in  Zion  to  guide,  instruct  and  console  them  on  the  way  heaven- 
ward. The  celebration  in  your  church  this  year  bears  testimony  to  this 
fact.  No  one  who  through  the  new  birth  has  become  a  child  of  Zion, 
regrets  having  become  an  inmate  of  Zion.  To  dwell  with  God  and  His 
people  is  the  greatest  privilege  and  joy.  I  am  powerfully  reminded  as 
I  am  writing  this  of  the  time  long,  long  ago  when  I  served  your  church 
as  a  young  pastor,  how  we  rejoiced  together  in  our  Salem.  Most  of 
those  dear  old  friends  have  passed  into  that  great  beyond.  I  have 
reached  the  age  af  eighty-one  years  and  am  still  quite  active,  although 
somewhat  feeble,  but  I  am  awaiting  with  great  expectations  to  receive 
the  summons  home  very  soon.  May  God  grant  us  a  rich  entrance  into 
that  home  which  is  eternal  in  heaven!     Rom.  8:  38,  39. 

Yours  in  the  Lord, 

N.    NORDGREN. 


FROM  THE  REV.  C.  A.  WENDELL 

Fathers  and  mothers  whom  I  knew  in  my  childhood,  schoolmates  and 
classmates  of  long  ago,  boys  and  girls  of  the  later  years,  Christian  friends 
who  dwell  in  Salem,  greeting  and  Godspeed  this  festive  day! 

Gladly  do  I  join  you  in  praising  the  Lord  for  the  years  that  are  gone, 
and  in  praying  that  He  may  not  depart  from  you  in  the  days  to  come. 
Troublous  times  have  befallen  us  and  greater  troubles  may  yet  be  in 
store  for  us,  but  "the  eternal  God  is  thy  dwelling-place,  and  underneath 
are  the  everlasting  arms." 

Fifty  years  has  Salem  stood ;  may  she  stand  full  fifty  more,  and  many 
more  besides.  May  she  ever  be  a  shelter  from  the  storm,  a  bulwark 
against  the  billows,  a  haven  of  rest  for  the  heavy  laden,  a  banqueting 
hall  for  those  who  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,  a  place  of  com- 
munion with  Him  who  died  that  we  might  live. 

C.  A.  Wendell. 


QO 


SALEM  CONGRl  G  I  HON 


THE   REV.  C.    \.   \\  EXDELL. 


I  ill     i;i  .v      |ii:    ..     \     BR  v\M  I  II 
I'M  -■■'.>  hi   "i   tin     lugustana  Bj  nod. 


FROM    THE  REV.  DR.  G.  A.  BRANDELLE 

The  Swedish   Lutheran  Salem  Church,  Sycamore,   111. 

Ir  seems  onlj  a  few  years  since  your  congregation  was  organized,  and 
yet  fiftj  years  have  gone  by.  The  daj  of  small  things  was  filled  with 
work,  hard  and  plentiful,  and  worry  besides.  Hut  the  goal,  a  spiritual 
home.  wa>  always  in  your  mind,  and  naught  was  permitted  to  interfere 
with  the  reaching  of  it. 

The  first  church  was  small,  plain  and  simple,  hut  withal  so  inviting, 
and  such  a  treasure!  The  second  church  U  much  larger  and  finer,  even 
magnificent,  a  reflex  of  the  moral,  intellectual  and  financial  character 
of  the  Congregation.  Some  there  are,  however,  who  seem  to  feel  that 
the  sermons  and  prayers  and  festivals  of  all  sorts  that  were  given  in  the 
first  church  were  mote  warm,  heart]  and  uplifting  than  those  of  the 
second.  Advancing  age,  time  and  a^ain,  alters  the  point  of  view,  clings 
enthusiastically  to  memories  or  by-gone  days  and  finds  ir  difficult  to 
adjust  one's  self  to  the  environments  of  the  present. 

The  Word  of  (  Jod  has  been  preached  in  its  truth  and  purirv    in  both 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  91 

of  the  churches.  The  young  have  been  pointed  to  the  one  and  only 
Saviour,  the  middle-aged  have  been  counselled  to  follow  the  footsteps 
of  Christ,  and  those  tottering  on  the  brink  of  the  grave  have  been  assured 
that  the  Lord  will  remember  them  and  finally  take  them  unto  Himself — 
a  mission  more  glorious  than  that  of  all  the  banks  and  armies  of  the 
world  put  together. 

What  of  the  future?  All  the  members  of  the  congregation,  parents, 
children  and  others,  are  to  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Word.  That  insures 
the  future  of  this  congregation  until  the  end  of  time  and  the  salvation 
of  a  host  of  men,  women  and  children.  This  end  is  worthy  of  your  best 
endeavors.  With  sincerest  congratulations, 

G.  A.  Brandelle, 
President  of  the  Augustana  Synod. 


FROM  THE  REV.  PETER  PETERSON 

Dear  Salem  Church  of  Sycamore. 

Allow  me,  at  this  your  golden  jubilee,  to  greet  you  with  these  words 
of  Moses,  the  man  of  God,  recorded  in  the  last  verse  of  the  90th  Psalm : 
"Let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us :  and  establish  thou 
the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us ;  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish 
thou  it." 

The  pilgrimage  through  the  wilderness  was  drawing  to  a  close.  Moses 
finds  himself  the  leader  of  a  new  generation;  the  people  led  out  of  Egypt 
were  resting  along  the  winding  line  of  march  through  the  trackless 
wastes.  The  people  were  going  to  establish  themselves  in  the  land  of 
Promise  beyond  the  Jordan.  What  truth  and  treasure  did  they  bring 
into  that  land?  Moses  is  thinking  of  the  Tabernacle  and  the  Ark  of 
Covenant,  of  the  Law  and  the  presence  of  Jehovah,  of  their  form  of 
sacrifice  and  worship,  and  he  prays  that  God  would  establish  these  for 
them  in  the  new  land. 

You,  dear  Salem  church,  are  looking  back  upon  fifty  years  of  church 
life  and  church  activity,  and  you  are  facing  new  conditions  after  these 
fifty  years.  We  are  no  longer  strangers  and  sojourners,  we  are  estab- 
lished in  this  great  and  good  land,  we  are  a  part  of  this  new  nation, 
living  its  life,  sharing  its  hopes  and  aspirations.  The  walls  of  language 
and  nationality  have  given  way;  our  horizon  has  suddenly  widened.     We 


92 


S  II  I  M  (  0NGR1  GATJON 


W^^^            ^   ' 

■ 

«" 

> 

jfcgL                                     a 

t 

Till;   i:i:\  ,    PETER    PETERSON, 
President  1 1 1  i  u-  >i  ~ 


have  come  to  realize  that  we  arc  here,  not  only  to  gather  the  people  of 
Swedish  descent  into  our  churches,  but  t<>  make  our  contribution  to  the 
religious  life  of  this  land  of  Promise,  to  help  win  America  for  Christ. 
We  are  facing  new  conditions,  enlarged  opportunities,  graver  responsi- 
bilities. We  have  something  to  establish  in  thi>  land,  something  t<>  give. 
We  have  our  faith,  once  delivered  to  the  saints;  we  have  our  form  of 
worship  and  our  type  of  piet\  :  we  have  our  sermons  and  our  songs;  we 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  93 

have  our  churches  and  educational  institutions,  our  missions  and  insti- 
tutions of  mercy.  Let  us  ever  remain  what  centuries  of  church  history 
has  made  us;  let  us  earnestly  so  pray  and  so  do,  that  God,  through  us, 
may  establish  our  spiritual  heritage  in  this  land  of  Promise.  Be  true 
to  your  faith  and  to  your  task,  dear  Salem,  until  our  glorified  Saviour 
shall  come  again.  Peter  Peterson, 

President  of  the  Illinois  Conference. 


FROM  THE  REV.  GEO.  A.  FAHLUND 

To  the  Swedish  Ev.  Luth..  Salem  Church  of  Sycamore,  111. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Albert  Okerstrom,  pastor. 

The  First  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  De  Kalb  sends  you  con- 
gratulation and  greeting  upon  the  occasion  of  your  momentous  celebra- 
tion of  the  fiftieth  anniversary  as  a  church  of  Jesus  Christ. 

From  the  very  beginning  we  have  been  closely  united,  not  only  in 
the  faith  of  our  fathers,  but  in  the  work  of  the  pioneers,  who  labored 
to  provide  for  the  spiritual  needs  of  our  Lutheran  constituency  in  De 
Kalb  county. 

We  rejoice,  indeed,  with  you  to-day,  and  we  may  well  together  look 
back  upon  the  past  and  with  praises  and  thanksgiving  acknowledge  the 
marks  of  success  and  prosperity  which  God  has  granted  in  great  measure 
to  your  church,  both  spiritually  and  in  a  temporal  sense,  and  will  con- 
tinue to  bless  His  Church  as  long  as  it  adheres  to  and  faithfully  uses 
the  means  of  grace. 

Brethren,  march  on,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  faithfully  and  cour- 
ageously !  The  Lutheran  Church  possesses  a  great  possibility  of  making 
faith  effective  even  in  modern  thought. 

Very  sincerely, 

Geo.  A.  Fahlund,  Pastor. 
President  Rockford  District,  Illinois  Conference. 


The  illustrations  and  pictures  in  this  volume  are  nearly  all  made  by 
Air.  John  Carlson,  photographer,  Sycamore,  III. 


SALEMSBUDET 


THIS  publication  was  the  result  of  a  unanimous  decision  of  the 
church  hoard  in  January,  1908.  The  first  number  was  published 
in  March,  1908.  The  first  editor  was  the  Rev.  M.  Frykman, 
who  served  in  this  capacity  until  his  removal  from  Sycamore  early  in 
[909.  Mr.  H.  A.  Welander  served  a-  business  manager  from  the  be- 
ginning until  the  close  of  ivi8.  After  that  Mr.  C.  E.  Roose  was  elected 
to  this  office  and  served  one  year.  In  January,  i<>2<>.  Mr.  John  II. 
Johnson    was   elected   to   this   office   with    Mr.   John    Ahlstrom    and    Mr. 

Adolf  Quarnstrom  as  assistants.  Salemsbudet  was  at  first  published  onl\ 
four  times  a  year,  hut  it  U  now  issued  every  other  month.  It  is  hoped 
that  in  a  very  near  future  this  periodical  may  he  published  every  month. 
Its  language  is  as  yet  mostlj  Swedish,  hut  will  soon  have  to  be  published 
entirely  in  English  to  meet  the  growing  demands  in  this  matter. 

Its  regularl}  published  financial  statements  have  been  and  are  of  much 
value  in  the  work.  Every  member  is  b\  reading  this  paper  in  a  position 
to  know  the  exact  financial  condition  of  the  church.  He  may  also  know 
his  own  relations  to  the  various  funds  of  the  church.  He  may  thus  keep 
informed  as  to  the  work  of  the  departments,  organizations,  etc..  in  the 
congregation.  It  offers  a  splendid  medium  tor  the  pastor  to  speak  to 
those  who  seldom  .uret  to  the  services  for  one  reason  or  another.  It  also 
serves  the  purpose  of  an  advertising  medium  for  our  business  houses. 
This  publication  has  so  tar  not  been  a  financial  burden  to  the  church, 
as  it  has  succeeded  in  managing  its  own  expenses,  meeting  its  financial 
obligations  regularly.  The  Rev.  Albert  (  Mcerstrom,  the  present  pastor 
of  the  church,  serves  as  its  editor  and  has  served  in  this  capacity  since 
May,  [909.  The  name  "Salemsbudet"  is  appropriate  and  can  be  trans- 
lated into  English  thus:  The  Salem  Messenger. 


Programs  on  Festive  Occasions 

Program  of  the  Christina  Nilsson  Concert  in  the  M.  E. 
Church,  Sycamore,  December  25,  1870. 

Cujus  Animum    ("Stabat   Mater") Rossini 

SIGNOR  BRIGNOLI 

Ave  Maria   Gounod 

M'LLE  CHRISTINA  NILSSON 

Violin    Obligato    

M.  VIEUXTEMPS 

Cantanique    Faqre 

SIGNOR  VERGER 

Romance,  Violin   M.   Vieuxtemps 

Song,  Angels  Ever  Bright  and  Fair Handel 

M'LLE  CHRISTINA  NILSSON 

La    Mia    Letizia Donizetti 

SIGNOR   BRIGNOLI 

Solo,    Una   Voce Rossini 

M'LLE  CHRISTINA  NILSSON 

A  special  concert  was  given  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  at  Wilkins 
Hall  for  the  especial  benefit  of  M'lle  Christina  Nilsson's  countrymen. 
The  hall  was  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity  even  at  this  time. 


S  //./  1/  C0NGR1  G  1 1 1<>\ 

Program    \i    im    c'<>r\ik  Stoni    1.\ni\<.  01    mi    \iu    Su.   I 
1. 1  i  ii.  Salem  Church   Building,  Sycamore,  1 1.1...  Juli   9,  1896. 

1.  Music    Sycamon    Band 

2.  Song  (Sw.  Psalm  No.  268:  1) Congregation 

•.     Bible  Reading  and  Prayer Tin    Rev.    I.  T.  Horn 

4.  Song   ((  rdren  portarna  hoga) Chunk  Choir 

5.  Address  I  in  Swedish  I Tht  Rt  v.  Prof.  P.  .1/.  Lindberg 

6.  Song  ( ( )h,  had  I  w  ings  ) Mali   Quartt  tte 

7.  Address  ( in  English  ) Tht  Rt  v.  Prof.  Olof  Olsson 

8.  Remarks   Tht    Rt  v.  ./.    /'.  Horn 

9.  Music  during  the  receiving  oi  the  collection Sycamore  Hand 

10.     Song    i  Selected  ) Church    Choir 

1  1.     Laying  of  the  corner  stone Tht  R<  v.   M .  Frykman 

12.     Song  (  Rock  oi  Ages  ) Halt   Quart t  tt< 

1  <.     Remarks   Tht    Rev.  M.  Frykman 

14.     SotiLT   (  Selected  )    Male  Quartette 

1  >.     Benediction Tht   A\  v.  ./.  //  .  Stark 

n».     Song  (Sw.  Psalm  No.   [24:  4) Congregation 

17.     ,\ [usic   Sycamort    Band 


Program   \i  thi    Dedication  of  the  Swedish   Ev.  Luth.  Salem 
Church,  Sycamore,  [ll.,  Sunday,  February   28,  18' 

MORNING  SERVICE — 10:30  O'CLOCK 

Sermon,  Text,  Mark  10:   }2 —  .45. . .  .Rev.  I .  .1.  hinder,  Lemont,  III. 

Dl  UK IATION— 2  130  O'CLOCK   P.   m. 

rig,   Hymn   No.  268 Congregation 

Address  1  Swedish  ) Prof.  O.  Olsson.  I). I)..  Rock  Island 

Song,  "Remember  Now  Tin  Creator"  (Rhodes) ...  .Illinois  Quartette 

Address  <  English  ) Rev.  J.  Telleen,  Chicago 

Song,  Ps.  win Dut  1 

I  )itli>  ation    Rev.  M .  Frykman 

Song,  Hymn  No.   $20,   1 — 3 Congregation 

Remarks  and  Collection. 

Song,    "When  as  Returns  This  Solemn  Day"(Tenne3  )  Illinois  Quartette 

Benediction. 

Smi,.'.    H\  mn    V         :   7 Congregation 


J  TBI  LEE  ALBUM  97 

EVENING   SERVICE — 7   O'CLOCK 

Song,    Hemlandss.   No.    I  54 Congregation 

Uible  Reading  and  Prayer. 

Song,  "Jesus  Lover  of  My  Soul" Trio 

Address  (Swedish) Rev.  C.  Granath,  Chicago 

Song,  Hemlandss.  No.  124 Sunday-school 

Address  (English) Rev.  E.  C.  Jessup,  St.  Charles 

Remarks. 

Song,   Hemlandss.   No.    141 Congregation 

Collection  for  the  church. 

Benediction. 

Song,   Hemlandss.   No.   5 Congregation 


Church  Officers,    1870-1920 


Dl   VCONS   AND    I Rl  STEES    IU  RING 

LAS  I    FIFTY  ^  I   \U- 


II 


E.   Anderson 
I  mi    I  .  Anderson 
\.   W.  Anderson 
P.   Benson 
Frank  Bexell 
P.  Broderson 
C.  Carlson 
Fred  Carlson 
(  i.   II.  Carlson 
J.    \.  Carlson 
Albert  Carlson 
Anders  Carlson 
Frank  Erickson 
(  rustai   Fant 
(  .  S.  Hallgren 
\.  P.  Husberg 


John  Ahlstrom 
V   \  I .  Anderson 

I  no    I  .  Anderson 
\.  \V.  Anderson 

•  ).  Bengtson 
Carl  Blank 

I I  akan   i.  arlson 
Carl  Carlson 

_i  Carlson 
\\d  Castenson 


I  )i  ICONS 

\.  I  lolmgren 
A.  Ingemanson 
Peter  Johnson 
\.  I ).  Johnson 
John  Johnson 
John  1'.  Johnson 
J.  A.  Karlson 
fosei  Lind 
Nils  Lind 
John  Lilja 
( rustai   Lindsl  nun 
S.   M.  Linden 
P.  M.  Landfors 
Bengt   Nelson 
( rustai    Nelson 


TRl   Mils 

I'  i  .ink    Engsl  Mini 
J.  I..  Erickson 
( rustai   Fanl 

Anton    lleillund 

\.  Ingemanson 
John  Israelson 
Andrew   Johnson 
Aaron  <  i.  Johnson 
John  1 1 .  Johnson 
( iu-t.  I'.  Johnson 


<  )h\  er  Nelson 
I  lakan  (  )lson 
.1.  A.  Pihl 
Johan   Peterson 
!  .  I  .   Peterson 
C.  (  i.  Quarnsl  rom 
A.  Quarnstrom 
V  P.  Roose 
John  Svenson 
John  Svenson,  Jr. 
Peter  S\  an  berg 
S.   M.  Soderling 
F.  Sandberg 
C.  P.  Welander 
J.  M.  Wallin 


i  .  <  ).  Johnson 
C.  <  bear  Johnson 
I.  P.  Johnson 
1  i      ii  Johnson 
John  Johnson 
Peter  Johnson 
|.  Lindahl 
P.  M.  Landfors 
S.  <  ).  Lundgren 
P.   |.  Larson 


JUBILEE  ALBUM 


99 


P.  J.  Lundquist 
Josef  Lind 
Hakan  Larson 
Gustaf  Lindstrom 
C.  Malm 
P.  J.  Marsh 
Benjamin    Nelson 
Gustaf  Nelson 
J.  M.  Nelson 
Knur  Nelson 
G.  E.  Nelson 


C.  A.  Noreen 
H.  Olson 
Adam    Peterson 
Christian    Peterson 
E.  J.  Peterson 
Carl    Peterson 
C.    M.    Peterson 
Niklas  Peterson 
Andrew   Peterson 
John    M.   Quist 
C.  E.  Roose 


Albert    Roose 
N.  P.  Roose 
P.  M.  Roos 
H.  L.  Sandholm 
John  Swanson 
Frank   Swanson 
F.   Sandberg 
Axel  Stroberg 
Rickard  Svedberg 
B.  A.  Welander 
J.  M.  Wallin 


SOME  OF  THE  ORGANISTS  OF  THE  PAST  FIFTY  YEARS 


Otto   Welander 
Anna  Larson 
Augusta    Engquist 
G.   H.  Carlson 


C.  F.  Fredrikson 
Mrs.   M.  Frykman 
Naomi  ( Men 


Mrs.  Emil  Carlson 
Marjorie  Anderson 
Adele  Thurstone 


SOME  OF  'FILE  TREASURERS  OF  THE  LAST  FIFTY  YEARS 


C.  M.  Peterson,  for  3  years. 
K.  P.  Nelson,  for  3  years. 
Gust  P.  Johnson,  for  3  years. 


N.  P.  Roose,  for  3  years. 

B.  A.  Welander,  for  25  years. 

G.  E.  Nelson,  the  present  treasurer. 


MR.   \.   I'.   ROOSE.     YliHT. 


PROGRAM 


FOR  THE 


JUBILEE  FESTIVITIES  OF  THE  SWEDISH  EV.  LUTH.  SALEM 
CHURCH  OF  SYCAMORE,  ILL.,  MAY  23,  24,  25,  1920 


[OOCI 

I . 

2. 

i. 

4- 

5> 
6. 

7- 

8. 

'<• 

2  :  JO  P. 

I . 

2. 


6. 


SUNDAY,  M  \^   23 

ock  a.  m.    High  Mass  with  Commi  nion  Services. 

Hymn— Sw.  Psalm  No.  4^4:  '-  2 Congregation 

Preparatorj  Address — The  Rev.  Peter  Peterson,  Pres.  111.  Conf. 
Song — "Goren  portarna  hoga"  (Wennerberg) .  .Jubilee  Chorus 

Sermon The  Rev.  Dr.  G.  A.  Brandelle,  Pre-.  Aug.  Synod 

Song,  "Herre,  du  utrannsakar  mig"  (Wennerberg) 

Jubilee  Chorus 

Announcements. 
Collection. 

Hymn— Sw.  Psalm  No.  352:  1 Congregation 

Communion. 

M.       I'm    A\  \l\  l  RSARY    FES!  l\  \l  • 

Hymn— Sw.  Psalm  No.  ^(.S Congregation 

Invocation. 

Song-  "Herrens  lof"  (Rice.    Arranged  by  Prof.  P.  R-  Melin) 

Jubilee    Omni^ 

Reading  of  the  historj  of  tin-  church The  pastor 

Hymn—  Sw.   Psalm  No.   124:  4 Congregation 

etings  from  church  officials: 

The  Rev.  G.    V  Fahlund,  Pres.  Rockford  Dist.  of  111.  Conf. 

The  Rev.  Peter  Peterson,  President  Illinois  Conference. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  G.  A.  Brandelle,  President  Augustana  Synod. 


JUBILEE  ALBUM  101 

7.  Song — "Ye  that  stand  in  the  House  of  the  Lord"  (Spinney) 

Jubilee    Chorus 

8.  Greetings  from  pastors  confirmed  in  this  church: 

The  Rev.  Fred  Wyman,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 
The  Rev.  C.  A.  Wendell,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 
The  Rev.  A.  T.  Fant,  Ophiem,  111. 

9.  Announcements. 

10.  Offering. 

1 1.  Hymn — S\v.  Psalm  No.  272 Congregation 

12.  Benediction. 

8  o'clock  p.  m.    Sacred  Concert  by  the  Jubilee  Chorus. 

1.  Organ  Prelude Mrs.  Emil  Carlson 

2.  Invocation The  Rev.  A.  T.  Fant 

3.  Song — "Lofven   Herren   i  hans  helgedom"   (Wennerberg) 

Jubilee    Chorus 

4.  Piano  duet,  The  Misses  Marjorie  Anderson  and  Helen  Strpberg 

5.  Song — "Come,  Thou   Fount"   (Miles) Jubilee  Chorus 

6.  Vocal   Solo    Selected 

7.  Address The  Rev.  C.  A.  Wendell 

8.  Song — "A  dream  of  paradise"   (Gray) Jubilee  Chorus 

9.  Song — Quartet:    Miss  Alvina   Sandholm,    Miss  Abbie   Quarn- 

strom,  Mr.  G.  H.  Carlson,  Mr.  Emil  Carlson. 

10.  Vocal  Duet Selected 

11.  Song — "Hallelujah  Chorus"  (Arr.  after  IJandelJJjub'dee  Chorus 

12.  Benediction   The  Rev.  Fred  Wyman 

MONDAY,  MAY  24 

8  o'clock  P.  M.    The  Young  People's  Meeting.     The  program  arranged 
by  the  Luther  League  of  the  church. 

TUESDAY,  MAY  25 

8  o'clock  i>.  M.     The  Ladies'  Meeting.     Program  arranged  by  the  Pro- 
gram Committee  of  the  united  Ladies'  Societies  within  the  church. 


/ 


;    . 


s   - 


y. 


0112  050760856 


i 


ItlHi'lIliliiilllil 
ilHill  lilll 


nil  ii  miiiiiiiii 


11  111 

iii 


•  ■  iffilWllllilil    111 

nil 

IIRIIIIIHH 


I  11  n 

!i  lull  i 


ii  ii  I  i 


■..•■.■'■  Il:i    .■  :: 


ii 


nHl 


llll 
ii III! 


i 


i 


„  ....  n    ||11 
if  in  tmtf  liiti  l  fiiiiiii 


IWiiilif 


Oil  Mil   I 


■HP 


i  lit 

III  I 

'  *  ii 

!     I 


I   (t :'\i 


II  III 


I IIHI 


ii 


HfllPlllll" 
IIHIMt 


mini       Hi 


I:- 


IfflUHl 


li 


WM 


i  ^tminiiinnillit! 


i 


I 


H 


